The Ankoay lost their duel against the Mali Eaglets on Sunday at the Palais des Sports in Treichville, Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The Malagasy national team fell 44-53 in their final group stage match of the U18 Afrobasket. Madagascar finishes in second place in Group B, behind Mali.
A’Ranty Rasetrarivony, who was once again the best Malagasy player of the match, and his teammates conceded their first defeat in the competition. During the first two days, Madagascar had successively beaten Gabon and Morocco.
Mali, the defending champions, started the match as favorites. However, the young Malagasy players challenged their opponents for a long time. In the first quarter (1-11), Tojo Rasamoelina’s protégés stumbled against a strong Malian defense, alternating between turnovers and missed shots.
But the Ankoay showed a different side in the second quarter, dominating their opponent and improving their shooting accuracy. Led by a fiery A’Ranty Rasetrarivony, the young Malagasy won the quarter 22-9. Both teams headed to the locker room with a score of 23-20 in favor of Madagascar.
Upon returning from the break, the Eaglets intensified their defense. Suffocated, the Ankoay struggled to find openings without the magic of A’Ranty Rasetrarivony. Mali won the third quarter 11-20, taking a 34-40 lead. In the final quarter, the Malagasy tried to close the gap, but the defending champions prevailed 10-13.
With this first defeat, coach Tojo Rasamoelina must find solutions to limit turnovers and improve free-throw success. Other players also need to step up; without their number 10 on the court, the team faces significant difficulties. The Ankoay’s quarter-final opponent will be determined after the final day of the group stage this Monday.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-10 11:38:38 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/afrobasket-u18-madagascar-reste-a-la-deuxieme-place-du-groupe-b-apres-la-defaite-face-au-mali-dimanche/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=afrobasket-u18-madagascar-reste-a-la-deuxieme-place-du-groupe-b-apres-la-defaite-face-au-mali-dimanche