Trailing for most of the match, AST Analamanga staged a spectacular comeback against ASE Atsimo Andrefana, turning the tide in the final minutes of the championship game.
It required nerves of steel to believe in an AST Analamanga victory just minutes before the end. Long dominated by ASE Atsimo Andrefana, who were fueled by their home crowd, the Analamanga representatives reversed the trend in the final quarter. They secured a 63-57 victory, clinching the Madagascar U18 boys’ national title after a final that had long favored the hosts. The win was sealed in the final two minutes.
The match kicked off at 4:15 PM. In an arena largely supporting ASE, both teams immediately set a high pace. After a 3-3 tie, the Atsimo Andrefana players gradually took control. With 6 minutes and 45 seconds left in the first quarter, ASE led 10-6, before seeing AST tie it at 10-10. However, spurred on by their supporters, the local team regained the initiative and extended their lead. Capitalizing on a two-minute slump by their opponents, ASE finished the first quarter ahead, 17-12.
The scenario continued in the second act. ASE imposed its rhythm and kept AST at bay. With 4 minutes and 30 seconds until the break, the score was 24-19, and the Atsimo Andrefana players accelerated again. With 2 minutes and 20 seconds left in the half, they held a six-point lead at 27-21. The gap even reached nine points just seconds before halftime, 32-23.
Returning from the locker rooms, Analamanga attempted to narrow the gap. However, ASE maintained control of the scoreboard: 40-32, then 42-34 with one minute left in the third quarter. AST held on and gradually closed the gap to 42-38, then 46-42. Nevertheless, ASE maintained a slim lead.
The final three minutes completely changed the course of the match. ASE still led 52-44, but AST did not give up. The Analamanga players reduced the deficit to 52-47, then 52-50. The crowd, until then in full communion with their team, began to sense the danger. At 52-52, it was anyone’s game.
AST then took the lead for the first time in the match, 54-52. ASE reacted and briefly regained the advantage at 57-56, but Analamanga did not falter. At 58-57, then 60-57, the momentum shifted definitively. With 1 minute and 17 seconds remaining, AST led 61-57. ASE, despite having controlled the match for over 35 minutes, could no longer find their accuracy or concentration.
The final seconds confirmed AST’s comeback. The scoreboard stopped at 63-57. After a final with a spectacular scenario, AST Analamanga secured the U18 boys’ national title, succeeding JCBA. Long in a position of strength and supported by an enthusiastic crowd, ASE Atsimo Andrefana saw the title slip away in the final three minutes.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-21 06:09:01 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/basketball-5×5-u18-garcons-last-sadjuge.html