As Madagascar gears up for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana, midfielder Marco Ilaimaharitra has revealed that the team is drawing motivation from their painful defeat in the first leg.
The Barea fell to a late goal in that encounter, a result they felt was unfair given their performance on the day at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
"In the first leg, we deserved a better result because we could have won at their place, and unfortunately, we didn't," Ilaimaharitra stated.
The Black Stars secured a narrow 1-0 victory, with Madagascar conceding in the dying moments of the match.
"We conceded a goal in the last minute (...) We're waiting for that. We're looking forward to playing this match," the midfielder added, highlighting the team’s eagerness to make amends.
With Madagascar just two points behind Ghana in Group I, this match presents an opportunity to leapfrog their opponents and take control of their World Cup qualification hopes.
Head coach Corentin Martins has also emphasized that his team will approach the match with determination and positivity.
Facing a Ghanaian side filled with top European-based players, Madagascar knows they will need to be at their best.
However, fueled by their first-leg disappointment and a strong belief in their abilities, the Barea are ready to fight for a crucial result.