Madagascar and Ghana return to action in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they go head to head at the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium on Sunday.
Nicolas Dupuis’s men, who have failed to win each of their four qualifying games, will be looking to end this dry spell and move from the bottom of Group E.
Madagascar kicked off their hunt for a second-ever Africa Cup of Nations appearance in June 2022, when they suffered a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Ghana.
The Barea were denied their first win of the campaign as they were held to a 1-1 by Angola four days later, when Gelson Dala and Njiva Rakotoharimalala scored for either side at the Kianja Barea Mahamasina.
However, this was followed by back-to-back defeats against Central African Republic, losing 3-0 in Antananarivo on March 23 before suffering a 2-0 defeat at the Stade de la Reunification four days later.
Madagascar have seen their dreams of a first AFCON appearance since 2019 come to an early end as they sit rooted to the bottom of Group E, five points behind third-placed Angola.
Romuald Rakotondrabe’s men head into the weekend winless in six of their last seven games across all competitions, losing four and claiming two draws since October 2021.
In contrast, Ghana have enjoyed an unbeaten campaign in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and are now on the verge of securing a ninth consecutive appearance at the continental showpiece.
After cruising to a comfortable win over Madagascar in their group opener, the Black Stars were held to a somewhat disappointing 1-1 draw by Central African Republic three days later.
Chris Hughton’s side then featured in the 2022 World Cup, where they suffered another group-stage exit after picking up three points from three matches to finish rock-bottom in Group H.
The four-time African champions returned to the AFCON qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over Angola on March 23, four days before playing out a 1-1 draw with the Black Antelopes at the Estadio 11 de Novembro.
Ghana now need to win any of their final two matches to secure a spot in Ivory Coast as they have picked up eight points to sit top of Group G one point above second-placed Central African Republic.
The West African giants are looking to feature in a ninth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations, a run stretching back to 2004, when they failed to qualify for the continental showpiece.
TEAM NEWS:
Newly-appointed manager Rakotondrabe has named a 29-man squad, including Toky Rakotondraibe and Tokiniaina Randriatsiferana, who are the two leading scorers in the domestic league.
Thailand-based striker Njiva Rakotoharimalala has been dropped due to injury, with 33-year-old Carolus Andriamahitsinoro earning a late call-up to the team.
Former Minnesota United man Romain Metanire also earns a spot in the Sierra Leone squad, while AJ Auxerre man Rayan Raveloson misses out due to family reasons.
Ghana have called up 24 players for this weekend’s clash, with the likes of Tariq Lamptey, Antoine Semenyo and Southampton man Mohammed Salisu missing out through injuries.
Arsenal star Thomas Partey should handle business at the centre of the park, while we expect Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew and Athletico Bilbao striker Inaki Williams to lead the Black Stars attack.
Bechem United striker Hafiz Konkoni, who netted 15 goals in the betPawa Premier League, will push for a starting role, while Joseph Aidoo and Leicester City man Daniel Amartey should form the centre-back pairing.
Madagascar possible starting lineup:
Adrien; Bertrand, Boyer, Manoelantsoa, Metanire; Amada, Rakotoarisoa, Andrianarimanana, Rafanomezantsoa; Rakotondraibe, Randriatsiferana
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ati; Odoi, Amartey, Aidoo, Mensah; Partey, Samed; Sulemana, J Ayew, Kudus; Williams
