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AS Adema
AS Adema
AS Adema
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AS ADEMA was a Malagasy football club based in Antananarivo,[1] Madagascar. They have won the THB Champions League championship on four occasions, in 2002, 2006, 2012 and 2021.[2] In 2002 they also advanced to the quarterfinals of the CAF Cup where they lost to Al-Masry of Egypt.[3]

Key Information

AS Adema won a THB Champions League match against SO l'Emyrne by the score of 149–0 on 31 October 2002. SOE scored 149 own goals in protest against a refereeing decision.[4]

Achievements

[edit]
2002, 2006, 2012, 2021
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
2006, 2008

Performance in CAF competitions

[edit]
2003 – Preliminary Round
2007 – First Round
2008 – Preliminary Round
2009 – Preliminary Round
2010 – Preliminary Round
2011 – First Round of 16
2002 – Quarter-Finals

Current squad

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  MAD Bruno Rajaozara
2 DF  MAD Leonard Baraka
3 DF  MAD Tojonavalona Rajaonarisoa
4 DF  MAD Tsima Eddy Randriamihaja
5 DF  MAD Jean Tholix
6 MF  MAD Jean Fidele Randriamala
No. Pos. Nation Player
7 MF  MAD Aina Rakotondramasy
10 MF  MAD Jean Natal Ratsimialona
12 MF  MAD Damien Mahavony
13 DF  MAD Leonard Baraka
15 MF  MAD Tsima Randriamihaja

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

AS Adema

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
AS Adema is a professional football club based in Antananarivo, Madagascar, founded in 1955 as a team associated with Airports of Madagascar (Aéroports de Madagascar). The club competes in the THB Champions League, the premier division of Malagasy football, and has secured the national championship on four occasions, establishing itself as one of the country's most successful teams. The club's most infamous moment came on 31 October 2002, during a league playoff match against rivals SO l'Emyrne in Toamasina, resulting in a 149–0 victory for AS Adema—the highest-scoring game in football history. SO l'Emyrne, the defending champions, protested controversial refereeing from an earlier match by deliberately scoring 149 own goals, one every 36 seconds, allowing AS Adema to clinch the title without significant involvement. The incident led to severe sanctions from the Malagasy Football Federation, including a three-year ban for SO l'Emyrne's coach and season-long suspensions for four players, while highlighting ongoing issues with officiating in Malagasy football. As 2002 champions, AS Adema represented Madagascar in the 2003 CAF Champions League but were eliminated in the preliminary round. The club has maintained a presence in domestic competitions, with its most recent title in 2021 and remains active as of 2025, though its squad is modest, featuring approximately 10 registered players.

History

Founding and early years

AS Adema was founded in 1956 in Antananarivo, Madagascar, by a group of local enthusiasts seeking to promote football in the Analamanga region. The club's name derives from Aéroports de Madagascar (ADEMA), the national airport authority, reflecting its origins tied to the local aviation community. In its early years, AS Adema competed in regional leagues within the Antananarivo province, as Madagascar's national football championship commenced in 1956, featuring representatives from key regions such as , , and . The club gradually advanced through these regional structures, establishing initial rivalries with established Antananarivo-based teams like Racing Club and AS Saint-Michel. During the and , AS Adema integrated more fully into national competitions under the oversight of the newly formed Fédération Malagasy de Football (FMF), established in to govern the sport amid the country's post-independence development. This period saw the club navigating a fragmented league system where regional champions vied for national honors, though AS Adema did not secure top-tier titles in these formative decades. The pre-1990s era presented significant challenges for AS Adema, including limited financial resources typical of Malagasy clubs and broader political instability following in , marked by coups and unrest that disrupted sports operations nationwide. By the , the club began transitioning toward professional status, setting the stage for greater competitiveness.

2000s successes and the 149–0 match

In the early 2000s, AS Adema emerged as a dominant force in Malagasy football, securing their first THB Champions League title in 2002 after years of inconsistent performances and mid-table finishes. In the first stage of the competition, the club finished second with 12 points from six matches, including a 7–0 victory over Varatraza, advancing to the final stage in . There, AS Adema topped the group with 13 points from six matches, clinching the championship through a combination of solid defense—conceding just two goals—and offensive output totaling 153 goals scored. This breakthrough marked a significant shift, propelling the club from obscurity to national prominence and qualifying them for continental competitions. The 2002 title run culminated in one of the most bizarre matches in football history on October 31, 2002, when AS Adema defeated SO l'Emyrne 149–0 in the final stage playoff at St. Andrews Stadium in Toamasina. The result stemmed from a premeditated protest by SO l'Emyrne, the defending champions, over controversial refereeing decisions in their previous encounter three days earlier, where they led 2–1 but conceded a late penalty that equalized the score and cost them crucial points in the title race. From the opening whistle, SO l'Emyrne players deliberately scored own goals after every kick-off, passing the ball into their own net without Adema touching it, continuing this farce for the full 90 minutes to highlight perceived bias by officials. Despite the absurdity, the match stood as a legitimate 149–0 victory for Adema, with all goals officially recorded as own goals by the opponents, shattering the previous world record for largest margin in a senior competitive game. In the immediate aftermath, the (FMF) declared the result valid but imposed severe sanctions on SO l'Emyrne, suspending their coach Ratsimandresy Ratsarazaka for three years and banning four players— Mamisoa Razafindrakoto, Dominique Rakotonandrasana, Manitra Andrianaina "Nakata", and Rakotoarimanana Tolojanahary—for life from competitive football due to . The incident drew international scrutiny, with acknowledging it as the highest-scoring match in , though the governing body emphasized it as a cautionary tale on fair play. Long-term, the scandal exposed deep-seated issues in Malagasy football administration, including referee impartiality and league integrity, prompting the FMF to introduce stricter protocols for officiating and player discipline to prevent similar protests and restore credibility to the sport. AS Adema built on this momentum, winning their second THB Champions League title in through a structured format that showcased tactical discipline and key contributions from standout players. Progressing unbeaten through the first three stages—scoring 28 goals while conceding just three—the club entered the final stage at Mahamasina Stadium, where they secured the championship with seven points from three matches, including narrow 1–0 wins over AS Fortior (goal by Jean de l'Or Tsaralaza) and Académie Ny Antsika (goal by Gilbert Raherisoa "Hery"). Under early managerial guidance emphasizing defensive solidity and counter-attacks, Adema's success relied on players like Tsaralaza and Raherisoa, who provided crucial scoring in tight fixtures. Later that year, the club added the Super Coupe de , defeating cup winners Ajesaia 1–0 in a tightly contested match that affirmed their domestic supremacy. Throughout the , AS Adema's rise coincided with a burgeoning fanbase in , where the club's achievements drew increased support to Mahamasina Stadium and fostered greater enthusiasm for professional football amid gradual improvements in local sports facilities.

2010s titles and post-2021 status

In the late and early , AS Adema achieved a dominant run in the Coupe de Madagascar, securing four consecutive titles from 2007 to 2010. They defeated USCA Foot 1–0 in the 2007 final, followed by a 1–0 victory over Iarivo FC in 2008, a 2–1 win against Tana FC Formation in , and a 1–0 extra-time triumph over Japan Actuel's FC in 2010. These successes built on the club's earlier league triumphs and qualified them for continental competitions, though specific managerial transitions and player acquisitions during this period remain sparsely documented in available records. The club's momentum carried into the league, where AS Adema clinched the THB Champions League title in 2012, marking their third national championship overall. This victory came after a competitive season in the 24-team tournament format involving regional champions, solidifying their status as one of Madagascar's top clubs during the decade. The 2010s otherwise saw intermittent performances, with AS Adema finishing outside the top spots in several editions amid rising competition from teams like CNaPS Sport. AS Adema returned to form in , capturing their fourth THB Champions League title in a season marked by broader disruptions to Malagasy football from the . The preceding 2019–20 campaign had been abandoned without a champion due to the health crisis, delaying continental qualifications and testing the resilience of domestic clubs. Despite these challenges, AS Adema navigated the resumed format to secure the crown. Following the 2021 triumph, AS Adema has continued to participate in domestic competitions, including the THB Champions League, as of 2025.

Domestic achievements

League titles

AS Adema has won the THB Champions League, Madagascar's top domestic football competition, on four occasions, underscoring their status as a dominant force in Malagasy club football since entering the era. These victories not only brought national recognition but also qualified the club for CAF continental tournaments, enhancing their profile on the African .

2002 Title

AS Adema claimed their first major league title in 2002 during the final stage playoff in , accumulating 13 points from 6 matches with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, and a remarkable of +151 (153 goals for, 2 against). Key to their success was an extraordinary 149–0 victory over SO l'Emyrne, which propelled them to the top of the standings and secured qualification for the . This triumph marked AS Adema's breakthrough, earning them national acclaim and a share of the league's prize pool, though exact figures remain undocumented in official records.

2006 Title

Building on their previous success, AS Adema defended their title in with a flawless defensive record in the final stage at Mahamasina Stadium, earning 7 points from 3 matches (2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses) and conceding no goals (2 for, 0 against). In the preceding second stage in , they swept all 3 matches with 9 points and a 12–0 goal tally, demonstrating sustained attacking prowess. The win reaffirmed their competitive edge, leading to participation in the and recognition as defending champions with associated financial incentives from the league organizers.

2012 Title

AS Adema's 2012 campaign represented a strong resurgence, culminating in victory in the Poule des As final phase with 11 points from 6 matches (3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) and a 7–5 . They advanced unbeaten through Phase 1 (12 points, 14–2 goals in 4 matches) and Phase 2 (12 points, 7–1 goals in 5 matches, including a win), showcasing tactical discipline. This title, their third, qualified them for the and highlighted their recovery from mid-table finishes in prior seasons, bolstered by national media coverage of their key playoff matches.

2021 Title

AS Adema won the 2021 Pro League championship via the playoff stage, securing 12 points from 6 matches (4 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses) with a 9–4 goal difference. They dominated the Conference Sud with 25 points from 10 matches (8 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, 19–6 goals), setting up the decisive playoff run. The victory earned them entry to the 2022–23 CAF Champions League and served as a capstone achievement, with the league awarding a trophy and modest prize money amid celebrations in Antananarivo.
SeasonStage/PhaseMatches PlayedWinsDrawsLossesGoals For–AgainstPointsKey Implication
2002Final Stage6411153–213CAF Champions League qualification
2006Final Stage32102–07 entry; defending champions
2012Poule des As63217–511Comeback season; spot
2021Championship Playoff64029–412Most recent title; national recognition
Since the late , AS Adema has maintained a presence in Madagascar's top flight, competing in over 200 league matches across multiple seasons with a win percentage exceeding 50% in title-winning campaigns, reflecting consistent ranking among the elite clubs. Their four titles place them among the most decorated teams, with trends showing peaks in dominance during the and a resurgence in the .

Cup competitions

AS Adema has enjoyed significant success in the Coupe de Madagascar, the premier domestic knockout competition in , securing four consecutive titles from to 2010—a record streak for the tournament. In the final, the club defeated USCA Foot 1-0 to claim their first cup honor in this era. The following year, , AS Adema repeated as champions with a 1-0 victory over Iarivo FC in the final. Their dominance continued in 2009, edging Tana FC Formation 2-1, before capping the streak in 2010 by overcoming Japan Actuel's FC 1-0 after extra time. Beyond these triumphs, AS Adema has twice lifted the Super Coupe de , a match pitting the league champions against the cup winners. In 2006, following their THB Champions League title, they defeated Ajesaia 1-0 to secure the trophy. Two years later, in 2008 and buoyed by their Coupe de success, AS Adema prevailed 4-2 against Académie Ny Antsika after extra time. The club has maintained a strong presence in other domestic knockout formats, reaching the Coupe de final as runners-up in 2012 (0-1 loss to Terrible de la Ouest), 2013 (2-3 to AS Saint-Michel), 2014 (2-3 aet to ASSM Elgeco Plus), 2015 (0-2 to CNaPS Sport), and 2018 (1-2 to ASSM Elgeco Plus). These repeated deep runs underscore AS Adema's competitive edge in single-elimination play, with the four-title streak establishing them as the most successful club in the competition's history. These achievements, particularly the unprecedented consecutive wins, elevated AS Adema's prestige within Malagasy football, reinforcing their reputation as a dominant force and aiding in player retention during a golden period.

International record

CAF Cup Winners' Cup

AS Adema qualified for the 2002 CAF Cup Winners' Cup as winners of the 2001–02 THB Champions League, Madagascar's top domestic competition. This entry marked their debut in continental competition, placing them in the first round against regional opponents from the islands. In the first round, AS Adema faced JS Saint-Pierroise of over two legs in March 2002. The first leg, played away on March 9, ended in a 1–2 defeat, but Adema's solitary goal proved crucial. Returning home on March 24, they secured a 1–0 victory, resulting in a 2–2 aggregate tie. Advancing on the , the tie showcased Adema's resilience in tight encounters, relying on a disciplined defensive setup to protect their lead in the second leg while capitalizing on limited attacking opportunities. Progressing to the second round, Adema drew Mtibwa Sugar from , another East African side. The home leg on yielded a narrow 1–0 win, with Adema employing a compact formation to frustrate the visitors. The away leg on saw a 1–2 loss, but again, the aggregate finished 2–2, and Adema advanced via away goals thanks to their strike in . These matches highlighted the team's ability to grind out results in ties, particularly through strategic counterattacks and solid organization against physically demanding opponents. The quarterfinals pitted AS Adema against experienced Egyptian club Al Masry in September 2002. The first leg at home on resulted in a 0–1 defeat, with Al Masry's clinical finishing exposing defensive vulnerabilities. The return leg away on ended 0–2, leading to a 0–3 aggregate elimination. Al Masry, a well-resourced side with a history of continental experience, dominated possession and exploited Adema's inexperience in high-stakes matches. The exit underscored the gap between regional and North African football standards, prompting Adema to focus on strengthening their squad depth and tactical adaptability for future campaigns. Throughout the tournament, AS Adema scored 4 goals and conceded 7 across six matches, demonstrating efficiency in progression rounds but struggles against superior opposition. Standout performances came from the defensive unit, which limited opponents to single goals in winning efforts, though specific player contributions like key midfield orchestrations were pivotal in maintaining competitiveness.

Other continental appearances

AS Adema has made several appearances in the CAF Champions League following their domestic league titles in 2002, 2006, 2012, and 2021, though these campaigns ended in early exits without advancing beyond the initial rounds. In the 2002/03 edition, as 2002 Malagasy champions, Adema lost in the preliminary round to SS Saint-Louisienne of Réunion 1–3 on aggregate (0–1 home, 1–2 away). In the 2006/07 edition, after qualifying as Malagasy champions, Adema progressed past the preliminary round by defeating Anse Réunion FC of Seychelles 3–0 on aggregate (0–0 away, 3–0 home) before suffering a first-round elimination against TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a 3–6 aggregate defeat (2–2 home, 1–4 away). Their 2012/13 entry saw a preliminary round loss to CD 1º de Agosto of Angola, 3–4 on aggregate (2–4 away, 1–0 home). Following the 2021 title, Adema qualified for the 2021/22 tournament but failed to advance from the preliminary round. In the CAF Confederation Cup, Adema recorded brief participations across the 2000s and 2010s, typically exiting in the preliminary or early knockout stages despite occasional competitive showings. The 2007/08 campaign ended in the preliminary round with a 1–2 aggregate loss to Young Africans of Tanzania (1–0 home, 0–2 away). Their entry in 2009 saw a preliminary round loss to AS Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, 1–2 aggregate (1–1 away, 0–1 home). In 2010, they lost 1–2 aggregate to Lengthens FC of Zimbabwe (0–0 home, 1–2 away). Their most notable run came in 2010/11, advancing past Bidvest Wits of South Africa 3–1 on aggregate (2–0 home, 1–1 away) before a second-round exit to Difaâ El Jadida of Morocco, 1–4 on aggregate (1–1 home, 0–3 away). The 2015/16 edition concluded in the preliminary round with a 3–6 aggregate defeat to Harare City of Zimbabwe (2–3 away, 1–3 home). Across these competitions, excluding the CAF Cup Winners' Cup, Adema has contested continental matches with early exits, providing financial benefits through CAF prize money—typically starting at around $50,000 for preliminary participants—and enhanced the club's reputation, fostering player development and international exposure for Malagasy football. As one of the earliest and most frequent Malagasy representatives in CAF tournaments since the late , Adema has played a pioneering role in elevating the visibility of Madagascar's clubs on the , paving the way for subsequent teams like ASSM Elgeco Plus and contributing to gradual improvements in regional representation despite ongoing infrastructural hurdles.

Club identity and facilities

Name, colours, and crest

AS Adema, whose full name was Association Sportive Adema , was a Malagasy football club founded in 1955 and based in . The name reflected its origins in the region, with "Adema" derived from Aéroports de Madagascar, tying the club to local infrastructure and community roots. Following a merger with Dato FC after the 2021 season, the club rebranded as A. Dato FC, its successor entity that continues to compete in Malagasy football. The club's traditional colours were green and white. These hues were prominent on kits since at least the early , with the home kit often featuring vertical and white stripes on a lightweight paired with matching and socks. Away kits typically inverted the palette, using a white base with trim for contrast during matches. Kit manufacturing was handled by local supplier Nino since the late , producing affordable, durable uniforms suited to 's climate. Sponsors such as THB, the national beer brand tied to the THB Champions League, occasionally influenced kit branding through league-wide partnerships, appearing on the front of jerseys during competitive seasons.

Home stadium

AS Adema's primary home venue was (also known as Kianja Barea Mahamasina), located in the Mahamasina district of , . The stadium, owned by the Malagasy government, has a capacity of 40,000 following extensive renovations completed in 2021. It was originally constructed during the French colonial era in 1897 as a smaller venue with 6,000 seats, but underwent major reconstruction after 's independence in 1960, opening in its modern form in 1967. The club utilized Mahamasina as its main ground for home matches since the , benefiting from its central location and facilities suited for professional football. Upgrades during the 2020–2021 revamp, undertaken by Corporation (CSCEC), included a new FIFA-standard pitch, improved lighting, enhanced seating arrangements, and additional amenities like athletics tracks and outdoor courts to meet international standards and address prior maintenance concerns. Beyond Adema's games, the stadium serves as the home for the , hosting qualifiers and continental fixtures, as well as major events such as the . However, it has encountered significant challenges, including overcrowding and inadequate , resulting in tragic stampedes; a 2018 incident before an qualifier killed one and injured dozens, prompting a three-match ban from the (CAF), while a 2023 crush during the claimed 12 lives and injured over 80. Occasionally, AS Adema played at alternative venues for away or neutral-site matches, such as Barikadimy Stadium in , which hosted the infamous 2002 THB Champions League playoff.

Current personnel

Management and coaching staff

AS Adema ceased operations in 2021 after merging with Dato FC from Atsimo Atsinanana to form A Dato FC, effectively dissolving the club as an independent entity and ending its participation in the THB Champions League. This merger marked the conclusion of the club's administrative structure, with no subsequent or reactivation reported as of November 2025. Prior to the dissolution, the club was led by manager Auguste Raux, whose tenure focused on maintaining competitive stability amid financial and organizational challenges in Malagasy football. The dissolution significantly impacted stability, as key executives and the board transitioned without continuity to the new entity, reflecting broader issues in Madagascar's domestic league where mergers and disbandments are common due to resource constraints. No ownership group or president has been associated with AS Adema since 2021, and there is no active , assistant staff, or scouting team. This structural change halted all off-field operations, including any involvement in player transfers or youth development programs. The original personnel from AS Adema did not continue under that name, with A Dato FC operating as a separate club in the Malagasy Pro League.

References

  1. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/madagfound.html
  2. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/madagchamp.html
  3. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/01/newsstory.sport5
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4673013/2023/07/15/ademo-emryne-really-happen/
  5. https://www.playmakerstats.com/team/as-adema/8852
  6. https://inside.fifa.com/en/news/football-strikes-its-place-in-madagascar
  7. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13861843
  8. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/madag02.html
  9. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/2386609.stm
  10. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/29/newsstory.sport13
  11. https://thesefootballtimes.co/2018/12/11/the-day-questionable-refereeing-decisions-led-to-a-149-0-scoreline/
  12. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/madag06.html
  13. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/madagcuphist.html
  14. https://www.sofascore.com/football/team/as-adema-madagascar/374757
  15. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/madag2012.html
  16. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/madag2021.html
  17. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/afcup02.html
  18. https://www.worldfootball.net/all_matches/caf-champions-league-2007/
  19. https://www.flashscore.com/football/africa/caf-champions-league-2007/results/
  20. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21769846
  21. https://au.soccerway.com/team/adema/86mzNCVf/
  22. https://sportsworldghana.com/list-of-teams-confirmed-for-2021-22-caf-champions-league-ghanas-hearts-of-oak-is-in/
  23. https://www.flashscore.com/football/africa/caf-confederation-cup-2008/results/
  24. https://www.transfermarkt.us/as-adema/startseite/verein/18270
  25. https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2010/02/lengthens-beat-as-adema-of-madagascar-in-caf-cup/
  26. https://www.soccerpunter.com/team/all/5854/28389/Adema-in-Africa-CAF-Confederations-Cup-2011
  27. https://us.soccerway.com/team/adema/86mzNCVf/
  28. https://wildstat.com/p/157/club/MAD_AS_Adema_Antananarivo
  29. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/afcup07.html
  30. https://www.les-sports.info/football-as-adema-resultats-identite-equ41462.html
  31. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/as-adema-2019-20-home-kit/419936/
  32. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/as-adema-2019-20-away-kit/419935/
  33. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/nino-kits/
  34. https://en.cscec.com/CompanyNews/CorporateNews/202109/3399858.html
  35. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66620130
  36. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/madag2022.html
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