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Boucher backlash unsettles Madagascar before CAN qualifiers

Madagascar's new goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher (Estac Troyes) has sparked outrage after a 2018 interview resurfaced in which he refused to represent the country. Fans and ex-internationals are demanding he be dropped, days before the qualifiers.

What it means

• Boucher, 25-man Barea squad member, called up for the first time
• 2018 quote: 'I am French, I have never been Malagasy... if the coach calls, it's no'
• Ex-captain Faneva Andriantsima and Lalaina Nomenjanahary publicly criticised him
• Petitions call on coach Corentin Martins to leave him out

Model read

A notable off-field distraction for Madagascar: the row over Boucher threatens squad cohesion and could force a goalkeeper change just before the Nigeria and Tanzania qualifiers, slightly weakening the side.

All signals for this team: Madagascar