Nigeria, Sept. 4 -- Madagascar's CHAN 2024 squad returned to a hero's welcome in Antananarivo, greeted by a capital city transformed into a carnival ground and crowned with national honours after their fairytale run to the final.

Despite falling 3-2 to Morocco in Nairobi's Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the Barea; dubbed "the Warriors" at home, were saluted as champions in spirit.

President Andry Rajoelina, decorating the squad at the Presidential Palace, called their run "a victory for all Malagasy people."

"Today, we are not just celebrating footballers," the President said.

"We are honouring men who have represented our country with courage, discipline, and passion. They are warriors in every sense of the word."

From I...