Madagascar appoint Martins as new head coach

Madagascar have appointed Corentin Martins as their new head coach on a one-year contract with the express aim of qualifying the side for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Madagascar sit third in their qualification Group I, two points behind leaders Comoros and Ghana. Mali have made a stumbling start and are on five points, but will also be a contender.

They resume with two matches next month away at Central African Republic and home to Ghana.

“The objectives are short-term. Because I have signed a one-year contract with the national team,” Martins said. “We will try to achieve this goal that seems unimaginable, to take Madagascar to the World Cup.”

Martins has experience of coaching in Africa before, he led Mauritania for seven years, overseeing their rapid improvement, and the Libya national team.

He was most recently in charge of Algerian club CR Belouizdad.