Madagascar on Wednesday begin their quest to qualify for the 2019 African Nations Cup finals with a preliminary round, first leg tie in Sao Tome and are taking no chance with a near-full strength squad for the game.

They also have a new coach in Frenchman Nicolas Dupuis, who last March moved to the island and had helped with matches in the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers as an advisor. He is assisted by former national coach Auguste Raux.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper Ibrahim Dabo, whose father is Senegalese, is called-up for the first time but the Malagasy do without injured regulars Ibrahim Amada, Albert Rafetraniaina and Mamy Gervais Randriamiharisoa.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Eddit Bastia (Elgeco Plus), Ibrahim Dabo (US Creteil Lusitanos, France)

Defenders: Mario Bakary (Fosa Juniors), Tobisoa Njakanirina (CNaPS Sports), Toavina Rambeloson (US Tourcoing, France), Tantely Randrianiaina (CNaPS Sports), Pascal Razakanantenaina (Arras, France)

Midfielders: Arohasina Andrianarimanana, Jean Claude Marobe (both Fosa Juniors), Jean Stéphane Raheriharimanana (Red Star, France), Ferdinand Ramanamahefa (RC Flechols, France), Zotsara Randriambololona (RE Virton, Belgium), Mirija Rasoanaivoarison (CNaPS Sports)

Forwards: Carolus Andriamahitsinoro (USM Alger, Algeria), Faneva Andriantsima (Sochaux, France), Rinjala Raherinaivo (FC Sion, Switzerland), Paulin Voavy (Makassa, Egypt)