The Madagascar Ministry of Youth and Sport has halted the refurbishment of its Mahamasina Municipal Stadium pending a decision to switch the natural turf to a hybrid or synthetic turf surface.

The 40,000-seat stadium is currently being refurbished to ensure that the national team of Madagascar can use it as a home ground for its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.

Group qualifiers will start in September, yet installation of the new pitch has been delayed. Initially, the work was scheduled to commence mid-March but the government is now weighing up its options to either opt for a hybrid surface or a full synthetic turf pitch.

The change of heart was sparked by the realisation that both surfaces are more durable and less reliant on water compared to a 100% natural turf surface. Anticipating a full natural turf pitch, the government has already invested in the importation of specialised maintenance equipment.

With the first match scheduled in September, the government still has some time to deliberate, but given the fact that Madagascar is currently heading into its winter period, time is of the essence to allow the grass to fully settle, should the decision favour a hybrid surface over a full synthetic turf pitch.