Madagascar on the run for an AfroBasket ticket

 

ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) – After the rather successful run of their 3x3 basketball and their youth squads at world level, Madagascar's 5x5 team has eyes set on the next FIBA AfroBasket.

Missing the 2021 showdown in Kigali ignited a burning desire to fly their flag at the 2025 edition of FIBA Africa's flagship event.

During the 2021 AfroBasket qualifiers, the Malagasy had a poor run (0-6) in Kigali and Monastir. They returned home  with the aim of flying the flag at the next edition of AfroBasket.

Except this time, the Ankoay want to make sure they don’t tumble again. That's why the technical staff got down to work early and called up the men to prepare for the pre-qualifying campaign.

However, the withdrawal of Tanzania has deprived the Malagasy of precious game time, which they have made up for by playing friendly matches.

That said, what will Elly Randriamampionona, Livio Ratianarivo and Rija Lahontan have to show for themselves in Cairo, Egypt, when they take on the Egyptians, Ivorians and Central Africans?

FIBA.basketball dives into Madagascar, its national team, the Ankoay, and their ambitions for the first round of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers.

The country: Madagascar is a fertile breeding ground for basketball in Zone 7, which groups together the islands of the Indian Ocean. This island off the coast of Mozambique has always demonstrated its passion for the sport, hosting FIBA Africa events, including an edition of the AfroBasket in 2011, and various competitions such as the Road to BAL and the AfroBasket U16 and U18.

The team: Currently ranked 120th in the world and 22nd in Africa, Madagascar wants to move up the ladder. They understand that this requires, among others, a successful campaign in Egypt. While it's true that this is only the first of two windows, they know they can't afford any slip-ups if they want to qualify for FIBA Africa's flagship event.

Their history: Madagascar has taken part in three editions of the AfroBasket. Their first appearance dates back to 1972, when they finished 9th, then in 2003 in Egypt, where they finished 12th, before hosting the 2011 edition, finishing 13th.

AfroBasket 2021: The Malagasy did not qualify for AfroBasket 2021. A 0-6 streak in Monastir and then Kigali, put the brakes on their ambitions. But since then, the participation of young Malagasy players in the U19 World Cup seems to have given new impetus to basketball there, and they dream of making it to the continental showdown.

The coach: Ndranto Rakotonanahary has been at the helm of the Ankoay since last year, when Madagascar hosted the Island Games. Under his guidance, they won the basketball tournament, confirming the squad's healthy regional standing.

Key players: The talent of the Malagasy is beyond question. But some players stand out from the rest. The first name that springs to mind is Kiady Mijoro Razanamahenina. Everyone remembers his long-range shot that brought the entire Central African Republic bench to its feet. And that's exactly what we're expecting from him again.

The other player to watch is Elly Randriamampionona. This discreet but terribly effective long-range shot specialist is considered to be one of the best three-pointers in the game. Will he be able to lead his team to the AfroBasket?

Their opponents: Madagascar will face Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire and the Central African Republic. This will be the Ankoay's chance to take revenge on the Central Africans, who have overcome them both times they met, in 2020 (95-79) and 2021 (79-742). On the other hand, they will face Egypt and African runners-up Cote d'Ivoire for the first time.

Conclusion: Madagascar is more determined than ever to make it to AfroBasket 2025. They just need to find the right approach and apply it.

FIBA