ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) - Three weeks before the start of the third qualifying window for the 2025 AfroBasket in Angola, Madagascar are preparing to host crucial Group D matches.
Point guard Kiady Mijoro Razanamahenina, who missed out on the 2024 window in February, is hoping this time will be the right one for the Ankoay.
Like the rest of the team, he believes Madagascar have a good chance of qualifying.
But before they can achieve their goal, the islanders will have to face Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt and Central African Republic in this final window, which runs from 21 to 23 February.
To avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, the team must learn from their failure to qualify for the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket.
Four years ago, Madagascar went out with a 0-6 record. Two heavy defeats to defending champions Tunisia (89-52, then 78-51), followed by setbacks against the Democratic Republic of Congo (82-64, 89-64) and Central African Republic (95-79, 79-76) dashed their hopes of qualification.
Today, the situation is very different. Madagascar are one step away from Angola.
After back-to-back losses to Côte d'Ivoire and Egypt, the team beat the Central African Republic to move to third place in Group D with a 1-2 record.
The Malagasy are determined to defend their chances until the very end.
With that in mind, the Madagascar-based players will soon begin a training camp under the guidance of coaches Jeannot Ravonimbola and Ndranto Rakotonanahary.
The overseas players will join the squad as soon as they arrive on the island. To optimise their preparations, the coaches have enlisted the help of a video analyst, reflecting the importance attached to qualifying for FIBA's flagship event.
Speaking to FIBA.basketball, Razanamahenina reflected on the team's setback in Rwanda: "That's behind us now. We just want to do better.
Buoyed by their victory over Central African Republic in February 2024, which saw them finish third in Group D, the Malagasy will be looking to build on that momentum.But they are aware that they cannot underestimate any of their opponents.
"It is difficult to say which team is easier to play against. Basketball is played on the court, where we'll be playing against ourselves. But if there's one game we must win, it's against Central African Republic," said the point guard.
In the first window, Madagascar recorded a historic 76-69 victory after two defeats against Côte d'Ivoire and Egypt.
As for the toughest team in the group, Razanamahenina makes no bones about his opinion: "In terms of potential, Côte d'Ivoire are the most dangerous. They have players who play in the French Pro A and Pro B leagues. To get a good result against them and the others, we'll have to stay focused and follow the coach's instructions to the letter.
Although Madagascar will be up against some formidable opponents, the team can count on the support of their passionate fans.
"Their presence will be crucial. The people of Madagascar have shown their passion for basketball by attending major events. I invite everyone to come and cheer us on once again," he enthuses.
The goal is clear: Madagascar aim to write a new chapter in their history and book their ticket for AfroBasket 2025. At the end of February, we will find out what the future holds.
FIBA