Return leg AFCON 2015 Qualifier:
Sat, 31st May 2014:
Uganda Vs Madagascar – 4PM
At Namboole Stadium
The Madagascar Barea head tactician, head Coach Franck Rajaonarisamba feels his troops are in the right frame of mind to encounter Uganda Cranes in the second leg of the AFCON qualifier at Namboole Stadium on Saturday.
“We managed to win the first leg which gives us an advantage coming to the second match at Namboole”, he told Kawowo Sports immediately after the team checked-in at the Entebbe International Airport on Thursday evening.
After a barren build up game with Analamanga select side at the Carion technical center on Sunday, Rajaonarisamba, who was faced with difficult decisions to name the traveling 18 players to Kampala is expected to make two formidable changes to the team that started the game in Mahanja a fortnight ago.
Midfielder, Ibrahim Amada did not make it to Kampala as he decided to stay back in Algeria pending a transfer negotiations with his El Harrach F.C team.
Of the total players in camp back in Madagascar, Rajaonarisamba dropped goalie Anatole Ndriamparany, defenders Lalaina ‘Bolida’ Nomenjanahary (knee injury), François Randrianomenjanahary, Pierralit Tovonay and midfielders Jimmy Simouri and Fabrice Rakotondrabe.
From the basis of the squad (8 midfielders, 3 goalies, 5 defenders and 3 forwards) that made the trip, it is evident Robin Jean Claude Rakotonirina will maintain his position in the goal posts.
Right back defender Tobisoa Mahajanga, a culprit for that hand ball that resulted in Uganda’s priceless away strike is most likely to pave way for Herinaina Elysee Randriamanantena.
Striker Carlous Andriamahitsinoro is assured of a leading role upfront and it will either be U.S based Ima Faneva Andriatsima (plays for Créteil- Lusitanos ) or Baggio Rakotonomenjanahary to partner him in a two man attack as the third striker awaits on the sidelines.
French based defender, Thierry Jordan Dupray (of St Great Saint F.C), the newly summoned Francois Randrianomenjanahary (from champion club, CNaPS Sport) and Olivier Ralaidimy will complete the back 4 positions while, Mickael Rabeson, Reunion based Henri Charles Gladyson (USS Tamponnaise F.C), Paul Johan, Dina Fiononana Razanakoto, and Njiva Rakotoharimalala take up the midfield roles.
Madagascar carries a 2 – 1 goal cushion from the first leg played a fortnight ago. Diego Hamis Kizza netted Uganda’s away goal after a 93rd well taken penalty.
In the last meeting in 1983, Madagascar beat Uganda Cranes 1-0 at home before winning 2-1 in Kampala.
The winner between these two sides will face the winner between Mauritania and Equatorial Guinea in the final phase of the preliminary round.
The Madagascar 18 Players ready for selection:
Goal Keepers :Robin Jean Claude Rakotonirina and Chretien Andriamifehy
Defenders: Thierry Jordan Dupray, Francois Randrianomenjanahary, Olivier Ralaidimy, Fenosoa Ratolojanahary and Herinaina Elysee Randriamanantena
Midfielders: Mickael Rabeson, Lantoniaina Andriamanalina,Henri Charles Gladyson, Paul Johan, Tojo Ramanitrandrasana, Tojo Harijoro Razafindrabe, Dina Fiononana Razanakoto, and Njiva Rakotoharimalala.
Strikers: Carlous Andriamahitsinoro, Ima Faneva Andriatsima and Baggio Rakotonomenjanahary.
