Exactly 23 years ago, the football world recorded a scoreline so bizarre that it remains unmatched to this day — AS Adema were declared winners after defeating SO de l’Emyrne by a staggering 149–0 in Madagascar’s top-flight playoff.
The extraordinary result, however, had nothing to do with superior tactics or overwhelming talent. Instead, it was the outcome of a dramatic protest staged by SO de l’Emyrne, who felt robbed of their title chances due to officiating decisions in a prior match against DSA Antananarivo.
With their frustrations boiling over during the final round clash on October 31, 2002, in Toamasina, the defending champions took matters into their own hands. Right from kickoff, they began intentionally firing the ball into their own net — goals piling up relentlessly throughout the match.
AS Adema players and fans stood confused as the score kept skyrocketing. The scoreboard rolled past 20, then 50, then triple digits, eventually landing at a jaw-dropping 149. None of the goals were scored by AS Adema — all were self-inflicted by SO de l’Emyrne in a symbolic act of rebellion.
What the protesting team hoped would be a bold statement instead brought severe consequences. The Malagasy Football Federation punished SOE harshly, issuing a three-year ban to their coach, Zaka Be, and suspending several players until the season’s end.
The 149-0 scoreline has since become a legendary piece of football history — a reminder of the chaos that can unfold when frustration outweighs competition.
