COSPN now knows its opponents on the road to the 2027 Basketball Africa League (BAL). The draw has placed the Madagascar representatives in Group D in Hoima, Uganda.
As the two-time consecutive champions of Madagascar, the Club Omnisport de la Police Nationale (COSPN) has been drawn into Group D of the East Division for the Road to BAL 2027. They will travel to Hoima, Uganda, to face Urunani (Burundi), Patriots Basketball Club (South Sudan), Namuwongo Blazers (Uganda), and Ushundzi Basket (Comoros), whom COSPN previously defeated 87-52 in 2023. The tournament is scheduled from October 21 to 25, and the top two teams from the group will advance to the Elite 16.
The stakes are high for COSPN. After retaining their national title, the club must now elevate its game to meet the demands of continental basketball. President Samy Olivier Harison acknowledges the scale of the challenge: “COSPN is in a very tough Group D. To face these opponents, we plan to strengthen our squad with at least two foreign reinforcements,” he stated.
The draw presents diverse profiles. Urunani is one of the most experienced opponents, forcing the Malagasy team to prepare for intense and physical basketball. The Namuwongo Blazers, representing the host nation, will benefit from the local environment, while the South Sudanese Patriots Basketball Club has shown significant progress in recent years. Ushundzi Basket from the Comoros, while less familiar, should not be underestimated, though they appear to be within COSPN’s reach on paper.
COSPN’s previous continental experience, having reached the Elite 16 in 2023 with an undefeated preliminary phase, will be an asset. However, the current context is different, with four matches in five days. Bench depth, recovery, and the ability to manage decisive moments will be critical. The goal is clear: finish in the top two to reach the Elite 16 in Nairobi from November 17 to 22.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-09 05:53:35 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/basketball-bal-le-cospn-affronte-un.html