AFCON 2027Q: Madagascar unleash Ligue 1 GK, Gift Orban’s teammate on Super Eagles

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) qualifiers later this month with games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Nigeria are in Group L of the qualifying series, and it is crucial that they start on a strong note, especially since only one team will qualify due to the presence of co-hosts Tanzania.

​The three-time African champions will lock horns with the Barea of Madagascar in their opening fixture on September 25. While coach Eric Chelle's full squad list for the September qualifiers has not been confirmed, Madagascar, currently coached by Corentin Martins, have already announced theirs.

​The Most Interesting Thing About Madagascar's AFCON Qualifiers Squad

​The most intriguing aspect of Madagascar's squad for this round of qualifiers is the inclusion of Zacharie Boucher, who currently plies his trade in Ligue 1 with Troyes.

​At 34 years old, this marks only the second time Boucher has been invited to the Madagascar national team. The first time he received a call-up from the Barea was in 2018, but he turned it down, insisting he was French rather than Malagasy.

​“I am French, I have never been Malagasy,” Boucher said at the time.

​”I don't know why everything came out like that. On my end, there's nothing. Just look at my passport. It says ‘French' on it. If the coach of Madagascar calls me, it's a no.

​”Besides, administratively, I can't even do it. I am not Malagasy. The France national team jersey is important to me. I will not wear any jersey other than that one. I am French, proud to be, and I have no intention of playing the AFCON with anyone.”

​Indeed, across multiple platforms, Boucher is registered as French and even represented France at youth level. However, having failed to break into the senior French setup, his Malagasy heritage through his father has paved the way for his international career.

​Clearly, his acceptance of this latest call-up shows he has eaten humble pie and is now ready to represent his fatherland.

​Other Notable Players in Madagascar's Squad

​Coach Corentin Martins has named a 25-man squad for the upcoming international window. Aside from Boucher, Nigerian striker Gift Orban could cross paths with his club teammate, Rayan Raveloson.

Goalkeepers

• Zacharie Boucher (ESTAC)
• Geordan Dupire (FC Atert Bissen)
• Nina Rakotoasimbola (La Tamponnaise)

Defenders

• Rado Rabemanantsoa (Disciples FC)
• Mathieu Acapandié (Hajduk Split)
• Ehsan Kari (Excelsior Virton)
• Andy Pelmard (Clermont Foot)
• Sandro Tremoulet (Karlsruhe SC)
• Thomas Fontaine (Goal FC)
• Ryan Ponti (Rodez Aveyron Football)
• Morgan Jean Pierre (FC Fleury 91)
• Bono Rabearivelo (Disciples FC)
• Tony Randriamanampisoa (Elgeco Plus)

Midfielders

• Marco Ilaimaharitra (Standard RSCL)
• Rayan Raveloson (Amed SK)
• Behaja Randriamalala (US Monastir)
• Andy Rakotondrajoa (Disciples FC)
• Loic Lapoussin (GX Hengchen)
• Nicolas Randriamanampisoa (Al Merrikh SC)

Forwards

• El Hadary Raheriniaina (AS Nancy)
• Hakim Abdallah (UTA Arad)
• Arnaud Randrianantenaina (Gloria Bistrita)
• Roman Ferber (Atert Bissen)
• Warren Caddy (Randers FC)
• Nicolas Fontaine (FC Septemvri)