The next generation of Malagasy basketball players is preparing for a massive challenge in less than two weeks, as they head to Harare, Zimbabwe, from July 22 to 30 for the U18 Afrobasket qualifiers. The top men’s and women’s national teams from Southern Africa will gather for a competition where there is virtually no room for error. Only the winner of each bracket will secure a ticket to the continental final phase, scheduled for August 5 to 16 in Côte d’Ivoire.
Madagascar, represented by its men’s team, will face nations accustomed to African competitions, including Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Malawi, Eswatini, and Lesotho. The competition is restricted to players born between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009.
Under the leadership of head coach Tojo Rasamoelina, the young prospects are continuing their intensive preparation at the Ankoay Gymnasium in Ankorondrano. Training sessions are held at a sustained pace, with each player striving to convince the technical staff to secure one of the twelve final spots. Through technical, tactical, and physical evaluations, the squad has been gradually reduced, but competition remains fierce. Every training session has become a crucial test.
This campaign holds particular importance for Malagasy basketball. The young Ankoay hope to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, who brilliantly won the title of African vice-champions at home in 2022 before representing Madagascar at the 2023 World Cup.
Preparation has been rigorous. The coaches are fine-tuning offensive and defensive systems, working on game intelligence, movement, ball circulation, decision-making, and shooting accuracy. Every detail is being meticulously addressed to field a team capable of competing with the best selections in the region.
The mission remains challenging. Angola, a benchmark for youth basketball in Africa with multiple continental titles, enters as the favorite. Mozambique, renowned for the quality of its youth development, and host nation Zimbabwe, also hold strong ambitions. The young Ankoay know they must deliver high-level performances to repeat the feat of 2022 and earn Madagascar another qualification for the U18 Afrobasket.
Donné Raherinjatovo
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-09 06:13:17 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/afrobasket-u18-les-jeunes-ankoay.html