The Saudi-based midfielder was joined in training this week by midfielder Tiavina "Dounga" Rakotoarisoa and the veteran striker Carolus Andriamahitsinoro, who has replaced injured Thailand-based forward Njiva Rakotoharimalala.

Romain Metanire, who has been without a club since the end of his contract with Minnesota United in Major League Soccer last year, returns to the squad with the coach singing his praises. “He has always served as a role model for young people in his behavior. He is very attentive and his presence is vital for the team. I like his mentality,” he said.

Madagascar coach, Romuald Rakotondrabe

The new coach added the two top scorers in the national championship to his squad, Toky Rakotondraibe of Cosfa and Fosa Junior striker Tokiniaina Randriatsiferana.

Rayan Raveloson, who plays for Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre, misses out for family reasons, because his wife is expecting her first child.

As expected, Belgium-based Loic Lapoussin was not picked after previous coach Nicolas Dupuis kicked him out of the squad in March for “inappropriate behavior”.

Thomas Fontaine, who refused his last call-up without giving any reasons, was also left out.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Melvin Adrien (Thonon Evian, France), Zakanirina Rakotoasimbola (Elgeco Plus), Allan Rakotovazaha (Cergy Pontoise, France)

Defenders: Dorian Bertrand (Arges Pitesti, Rumania), Fabien Boyer (St Pierroise, Reunion), Ando Manoelantsoa (St Pierroise, Reunion), Romain Metanire (unattached), Tantely Avotriniaina Rabarijaona (CFF Andoharanofotsy), Jean Martin Rakotonirina (Elgeco Plus), Tantely Randrianiaina (CS Disciples), Mahavy Tiana Randrianarisoa (Mama FC), Soloniaina Rajo Nirina Razafindraibearimihanta (Jet Kintana), Theodin Ramanjary (AS Sainte-Suzanne, Reunion)

Midfielders: Ibrahim Amada (Al Qadsiah, Saudi Arabia), Andriamirado Arohasina Andrianarimanana (Fosa Juniors), Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa (CFF Andoharanofotsy), Jean Rakotoarisoa (Jeanne d’Arc, Reunion), Tiavina Rakotoarisoa (Fosa Juniors), Mataniah Randrianarihaona (CS Disciples), Tokiniaina Randriatsiferana (Fosa Juniors), Kolonia Razafindranaivo (Mouloudia Alger, Algeria)

Forwards: Hakim Abdallah (Virton, France), Carolus Andriamahitsinoro (Najran, Saudi Arabia), Toky Rakotondraibe (COSFA), Zotsara Randriambololona (FC Balti, Moldova), Angelo Andreas Randrianantenaina (AS Excelsior, Reunion), Gilles Razafimaro (Ajesaia), Jean Yvon Razafindrakoto (Fosa Juniors).