Madagascar coach accepts CAF decision to stage home leg in South Africa

The call followed Madagascar’s failure to provide a venue that met the required standards, while the country’s football federation was also unable to provide the financial backing needed to address the situation.

Mankour was speaking after his side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Raymond Mdaka’s charges at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

"We would have rather played at the Mahamasina Stadium in Madagascar, in front of our own public. But obviously, this is football, we have to adapt to the changes and consequences. And we're playing the next game here as well, in the Lucas Moripe Stadium. So, yeah, there's nothing to demotivate our team, and then we can only face the consequences," said Mankour

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The coach added that the travel to South Africa took its toll and was evident in how his players faded in the second half, which is when they conceded. 

Given the lack of football in Madagascar, their U23 side was only put together within a week according to Mankour. He wants to work on the chemistry before the return match at the same venue on Tuesday night.  

Mankour promised changes the next time his team face South Africa, emphasising that the tie was not completely over.