CHAN 2023: Constantine says goodbye to the competition and the Malagasy
The Constantine public warmly encouraged the Madagascar team during their victory against Mozambique (3-1) in the Chahid-Hamlaoui stadium in Constantine, January 28, 2023. © Martin Guez / RFI
Text by: Martin Guez Follow
2 mins
The African Nations Championship is entering its home straight: place in the semi-finals, this Tuesday in Oran and Algiers.
Annaba and Constantine, the two other host cities of the competition, said goodbye to CHAN this weekend.
Constantinois who will have taken a passion for the competition and for the Madagascar team, which was almost at home in the city of suspension bridges.
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The Constantine public did not wait long to stand out: from the first minutes of the quarter-final between Madagascar and Mozambique, the supporters present gave their voices.
Each successful Baréas pass brings its share of cheers and applause.
And yet, the 20,000 people of an audience amassed in the picturesque Chahid-Hamlaoui stadium have nothing Malagasy about them.
“
Constantinois, Constantinois
!
“, they intone at regular intervals.
On the mountainside, nestled at an altitude of nearly 800 meters, the enclosure is usually that of CS Constantine, the city team.
“
We love Madagascar!
Because they play in green, like our favorite club
, ”explains Madi, a very smiling young supporter.
“
In addition, they play very good football, very attacking, with a lot of goals, so we chose to support them.
»
🇲🇬/🇲🇿
Madagascar is definitely at home in Constantine: 3-1, home price, and a qualifier for the semis against the 🇸🇳
Not bad for a 1st CHAN, to the great pleasure of its new Algerian supporters, who had right to a lap of honor!@RFI pic.twitter.com/8EBmg0f9PK
— Martin Guez (@Martin_Guez) January 28, 2023
When the question is asked, in the stands, of the choice of the team to support, the answers burst out, without appeal: “
Madagascar, of course
!
We like them.
And they score great goals
!
“, explains Mohamed, who came to the stadium with friends.
“
I too am behind Madagascar
”, abounds Djallel, a father.
“
We have seen them play here for two weeks, they are a bit at home.
»
🇲🇬/🇲🇿
The Constantine public 100% behind Madagascar: place for Ola after the 2nd goal of Bareas@RFI pic.twitter.com/iVFTCK5tMO
— Martin Guez (@Martin_Guez) January 28, 2023
It's true that the Malagasy feel at home in Constantine, even if the snow on the peaks has nothing to do with the Big Island: eight goals scored and three victories in three games in the city of suspension bridges.
The high-pitched city succeeded in the Baréas, who gladly offer a last lap of honor to a well-deserved public, and whom trainer Romuald Rakotondrabe wishes to salute: "
We
was at home here, it was really great.
The public really supported us, throughout each match.
I hope that we will find such support in Algiers, and thank you to the people of Constantine
”.
The beautiful love story between Constantine and Madagascar ends there, since the Madagascans now join the capital Algiers, where they will face Senegal on Tuesday January 31 in the semi-finals.
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Sports
CHAN 2023
Soccer
Algeria
Madagascar
mozambique