Zacharie Boucher has been included in Madagascar’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, eight years after publicly ruling out the possibility of representing the country.
The 34-year-old Troyes goalkeeper, whose club has been promoted to Ligue 1 this season, is part of the 25-man group selected by Corentin Martins. He could make his international debut against Nigeria on 25 September.
Boucher was linked with a possible call-up by Madagascar in autumn 2018, but rejected the idea in clear terms.
“I am French, I have never been Malagasy,” he told Ouest-France at the time.
He said he did not envisage playing for any country other than France, having represented several of their youth teams. That was a public refusal rather than a previous appearance for the Barea, and the CAF describes the 2026 selection as his first senior call-up for Madagascar.
Boucher has not yet publicly explained what led to the change in his position. For now, the established fact is that he has been named in the squad and could join up with the national team for the start of their qualifying campaign.
His experience in French football gives Martins another option in goal. Geordan Dupire and Nina Rakotoasimbola are the other goalkeepers selected.
The main question is whether Boucher will take part in the camp and, if so, whether he will be given an opportunity to play.
Martins has also selected Roman Ferber for the first time and recalled Warren Caddy. Established players including Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson and Loic Lapoussin have retained their places.
Madagascar begin their campaign away against Nigeria, whose squad includes Victor Osimhen, before hosting Tanzania on 29 September. The Barea missed the last Africa Cup of Nations and will be under pressure to make a positive start.
Their run to the final of the 2025 CHAN has provided renewed momentum for Malagasy football. The Barea A’ secured a historic place in the final by scoring in the 116th minute against Sudan, although that competition involves a different group of players from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Boucher’s selection therefore has significance beyond his comments in 2018. It also increases competition for the goalkeeper’s position, with a player now accustomed to the highest level of French football joining the squad.
Madagascar squad
Goalkeepers: Zacharie Boucher, Geordan Dupire, Nina Rakotoasimbola.
Defenders: Rado Rabemanantsoa, Mathieu Acapandie, Ehsan Kari, Andy Pelmard, Sandro Tremoulet, Thomas Fontaine, Ryan Ponti, Morgan Jean Pierre, Bono Rabearivelo, Tony Randriamanampisoa.
Midfielders: Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson, Behaja Randriamalala, Andy Rakotondrajoa, Loic Lapoussin, Nicolas Randriamanampisoa.
Forwards: El Hadary Raheriniaina, Hakim Abdallah, Arnaud Randrianantenaina, Roman Ferber, Warren Caddy, Nicolas Fontaine.