The Madagascar U20 team arrived in Nairobi on Wednesday evening and will take part in the 2021 U20 Barthes Trophy against Senegal and hosts Kenya at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Madagascar are late entrants into the tournament after having troubles traveling due to a closed air space necessitate by an upsurge in coronavirus cases in the island nation.

Their first game comes fast against 2019’s U20 Barthes Trophy second runners up Senegal U20.  It is not the first time these two sides are playing each other in this competition, their last encounter dating back to 2015. Senegal emerged 34-32 victors in what was a high-scoring yet very close encounter.

Madagascar’s team Captain, SetraSolofoniaina is optimistic that they will come good on Saturday. “We have played Senegal before, we know how they play and we have certainly improved as a team since our last match with them,” says Setra.
The Malagasy boys are aware that they will be facing a wounded Senegal U20 who lost their opening match 50-3 against the hosts Kenya last Saturday and will be looking to tread carefully.

“I will not disclose a lot but we have a game plan to tackle Senegal and we are sure it will work come Saturday afternoon,” concludes Setra.

Madagascar U20 will take on Senegal U20 in a 1.30 pm kickoff at the Nyayo National Stadium as part of an action-packed “Super Saturday”. The other games on offer are: Kenya Lionesses vs Madagascar (RAC) at 11 am and Kenya vs Senegal (RAC) at 4 pm.

– James Njenga/U20 Barthes Trophy Media Team