After a nightmarish first day, the Madagascar U23 women’s Ankoay team has no room for error as they face Tonga and Spain today.
Following a difficult start, the U23 girls return to the court this Thursday, September 17, for their second and final day of the group stage at the 3×3 U23 World Cup in Wuhan. Madagascar will face Tonga at 6:15 AM, followed by Spain at 8:45 AM. These two back-to-back matches will determine the future of their world championship journey.
The opening day did not meet expectations. Madagascar was initially scheduled to face Latvia, but the match ended in a forfeit. A few hours later, the Ankoay attempted to bounce back against Uganda but were unable to reverse the trend, hampered by travel fatigue and limited recovery time. They lost 7-14 to the Ugandans, marking their second defeat.
In Pool C, this situation leaves the Malagasy team in a delicate position. Spain began their tournament with two victories against Tonga (21-5) and Latvia (16-15). Uganda also won both their matches against Madagascar (14-7) and Tonga (15-6). Tonga, having lost twice, currently sits at the bottom of the group.
For this Thursday, the Ankoay must start fresh. Against Tonga, the goal is to return to winning ways and regain the offensive efficiency they lacked against Uganda. However, the real challenge will come hours later against Spain, a team that has demonstrated great solidity and tactical adaptability.
The mission looks particularly difficult for Taratra Ramahatra, Koloina Rakotonirina, Justine Etienne Rahariarivony, and Elinah Rafarasoa, as their chances of advancing have significantly diminished. Aimé Randria, a former coach, criticized the federation for the logistical failures that led to the initial forfeit and the team’s lack of preparation.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-17 05:53:35 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/basketb-all-3×3-world-cup-u23-les.html