CFFA Andoharanofotsy, welcomed with pride yesterday at Ivato. CFFA Andoharanofotsy brilliantly advanced through the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. After eliminating Lesotho's Lijabatho FC with an aggregate score of 3-1, Madagascar's champions continue their journey and prepare to face Young Africans, with ambitions to reach the group stage and write a new chapter in Malagasy football history.
CFFA Andoharanofotsy has written a new page in Malagasy football history. By eliminating Lijabatho FC of Lesotho with an aggregate score of 3-1, Madagascar's champions secured their ticket to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. Following a 2-0 victory in Mauritius, the 1-1 draw achieved at Dobsonville Stadium was enough to seal a historic qualification. Upon their return home, Franck Rajaonarisamba's team was welcomed with pride.
For club president Henintsoa Rakotoarimanana, known as Tota, this success is far more than a sporting victory: "We worked hard to erase this nightmare that haunted our clubs, that of being eliminated in the first round. This qualification is an essential step to restore a positive image to Malagasy football. The key to this result is solidarity and unity. We will continue to carry the nation's honor high."
Coach Rajaonarisamba emphasizes the difficulty of the return match: "The Lesotho players attacked in waves and put us in difficulty in the first half. But our instructions allowed us to calm the game and impose our rhythm. The essential is there: CFFA is qualified. Our reinforcements answered the call, they were indispensable and will continue to support us. But we know that Young Africans' level is superior. We have a month to correct our shortcomings and intensify training. The absence of a national championship forces us to multiply friendly matches to regain competitive rhythm. Many points remain to improve: ball retention, possession and especially efficiency in front of goal, as too many chances were missed."
Due to the lack of a homologated stadium in Madagascar, CFFA must still play their "home" matches abroad. Mauritius or South Africa remain the options being considered to host the next match. A heavy constraint, but one that does not dampen the club's ambitions.