Madagascar returns home as heroes despite CHAN final loss

Madagascar’s national team, the Barea, received a rousing hero’s welcome upon their return from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The tournament was held from August 2 to 30, 2025, across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Despite being first-time finalists, the Barea defied expectations in a tournament that saw them ultimately finish runner-up to a strong Moroccan side.

Their run to the latter stages of the competition has been described as one of the highlights of the continental showpiece, further cementing Madagascar’s growing reputation in African football.

Supporters gathered at Ivato International Airport hours before the team’s arrival, singing, dancing, and waving flags in anticipation while the streets of Antananarivo brimmed with images and names of the players who had sparked national pride.

When the players finally appeared, the atmosphere erupted.

Fans cheered loudly, calling out the names of their heroes, while some broke into traditional Malagasy songs to mark the historic achievement.

Government officials and sports leaders joined the celebrations, commending the squad for uniting the nation through football.

The squad later paraded through the streets of Antananarivo in an open-top bus, with thousands lining the roads to cheer them on.

Streets were decorated with national flags, and fireworks lit up the evening sky, adding to the carnival-like atmosphere.

Madagascar’s CHAN journey has reignited passion for football in the island nation, with fans already looking ahead to future tournaments.

In the group stage, Madagascar drew with Mauritania, suffered a loss to Tanzania, but rebounded with victories over the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso to finish second in Group B and advance to the knockout rounds.

In the quarter-finals, they stunned host nation Kenya at the Kasarani Stadium, winning a tense penalty shootout and momentarily silencing the home crowd.

Their resilience was further tested in the semi-final, where they scored in extra time to seal a dramatic victory over Sudan, sending Madagascar into their first ever CHAN final.

The final, played on Saturday, August 30, 2025, against Morocco saw them take an early lead through a striking goal just nine minutes into the match.

Morocco quickly responded, putting them ahead before halftime.

Midway through the second half, Madagascar levelled once again, stirring hopes of a historic win.

However, in the dying moments, Morocco sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory, earning them a record third CHAN title.

For now, Madagascar basks in the glory of its continental achievement, with the 2024 CHAN squad firmly etched in the nation’s sporting history.