Bafana Bafana’s international friendly against Madagascar scheduled for Saturday at the Orlando Stadium has been called off after the visitors decided to withdraw from the match.

The South African Football Association (Safa) confirmed Madagascar as Bafana’s opponents after Zambia pulled out of the friendly match due to the ongoing xenophobia attacks in South Africa.

However, it has now been confirmed that Madagascar has decided to withdraw from the encounter.

‘Safa regrets to inform the public that the match between Bafana Bafana and Madagascar scheduled for Saturday [7 September] has been called off after the visitors [Madagascar] decided to withdraw from the encounter,’ a statement issued by Safa reads.

Meanwhile, statement from the Malagasy FA reads:

‘The Malagasy Football Federation [MFF] has been approached by the South African Football Federation (Safa) to organize a friendly match between the national team of Madagascar and that of South Africa.

‘Honoured by this consideration, and finding the interesting opportunity to prepare the Malagasy national team for the different deadlines that await them, the MFF initially gave its agreement in principle for the organisation of the meeting.

‘However, after having agreed with Malagasy national institutions in particular regarding the security of the delegation of Madagascar and Malagasy nationals in South Africa, it was found necessary and judicious to decline the invitation.

‘The Malagasy national team will continue its reunion in Madagascar and will see its elements return to their respective clubs after the Fifa date.

‘Finally, the MFF apologises to Safa for the efforts they have begun to organise the meeting, and also supporters of Malagasy football who looked forward to the match.’