Madagascar Knights AFCON Stars

The Government of Madagascar has awarded the country’s national football team players the rank of Knight of the Malagasy National Order.

The award comes following a historic performance at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. Despite being the team’s debut at the tournament, the side scored victories against Burundi, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in order to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

President Andry Rajoeline made the award at the Lavoloha State Palace, having personally travelled to Egypt to watch the team in the knockout stages. 

The side was ultimately defeated by Tunisia in the quarter-finals. Tunisia were subsequently defeated by Senegal in the semi-finals and will now face Nigeria to compete for third place in the tournament on Wednesday, ahead of the final between Senegal and Algeria scheduled for Friday.