The African Nations Championship (CHAN) is a unique tournament, reserved exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues. Over the years, it has showcased several underdog stories, but few have been as inspiring as Madagascar’s remarkable rise during CHAN 2022 in Algeria.
Making their debut in the tournament, the Barea of Madagascar stunned Africa with their determination and style of play. In a challenging group, they pulled off a shock victory against Ghana, a powerhouse of African football. Their tactical discipline and sharp attacking play carried them through to the semi-finals, a historic milestone for a team with no prior CHAN experience.
In the semi-final clash, Madagascar’s adventure met the eventual champions Senegal. However, the Barea refused to fade away. In the third-place playoff, they delivered a spectacular performance, claiming the bronze medal — their first-ever podium finish in an African competition. This achievement is regarded as one of the greatest sporting moments in the history of Malagasy football.
Since then, Madagascar’s CHAN campaign has been celebrated by fans and pundits across the continent. Their success was a testament to the fact that so-called “small nations” in African football can make history with hard work, organization, and belief. Within weeks, the Barea turned from unknown outsiders into continental heroes, etching their names into CHAN history.