Raharimanantoanina rallies Madagascar in search for first win

 

CAIRO (Egypt) - Madagascar's winless run at the ongoing FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers continued on day two as the islanders went down to hosts Egypt 97-66 at the Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo.

The Alphonse Ravonimbola-led side was dominated on all fronts by Henrik Rödl's charges, despite a spirited fight in the second and the third quarters of the blow-out game.

Opening their campaign against the top-ranked (in this window) Egyptians, who enjoyed home court advantage with a 23-14 first quarter show, Ravonimbola's charges put up a better performance in the second going 27-20 behind to trail 50-34 at half time.

Their best dhow came in the third period where they matched the hosts point for point, coming short by a single point in a 20-19 outcome.

Yususf Shehata, however, destroyed the Malagasy side shooting three of his five treys in the final period to lead Egypt in a 27-13 run that gave his side a massive 31-point victory.

"The last two matches have been tough as they were against two of the best teams in the continent. Regardless, we have kept the fighting spirit to the last whistle and that gives us confidence that with a good game plan we can pick a win in the final game of the window," the 23-year-old said.

Ahead of their clash against winless Central Africa Republic (CAF), Raharimanantoanina has singled out defense as the key to managing a win, which would be a first in the AfroBasket Qualifiers for the French based forward who made his senior team debut in the last window of qualification for the 2021 AfroBasket.

"We have to go out and not only ensure that our shots are dropping but also play good defense as CAF are a good shooting side," he added.

Coach Ravonimbola will rely on the likes of skipper Livio Ratianarivo and Heriniaina Ony Tanjona Ravelojaona having a good game, the latter having led the scores against Egypt with 18 points. Elly Randriamampionona who finished with 14 points and Alpha Solondrainy who came a point shy of posting a double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds will also be key.

Meanwhile, Egypt will look to cap the window with a perfect score when they face silver medalists Cote d'Ivoire in a match that has all the ingredients of a thriller.

FIBA