After several weeks of preparation, the suspense is over. The Malagasy Basketball Federation (FMBB), through its national technical directorate led by Solohery Angelot Razafiarivony, has released the list of twelve players who will represent Madagascar at the Zone 6 qualifiers for the U18 AfroBasket. The competition will take place from July 22 to 30 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The young Ankoay will attempt to secure the only qualifying ticket for the final phase in Côte d’Ivoire.
The group brings together the most promising talents in the category, including Harinosy A’Ranty Rasetriarivony, Tsiory Ulrick Rakotozafy, Emerick Nandrasana Raveloharison, Cheick Oumar Aina Mariko, and Norojana Mathieu Razafindrambinina. They will be accompanied by Abdul Yvan Hanaffi, Havanirina Theidy Raveloson, Miharisoa Mikaewan Andrianilaina, Tsiriniaina Yoanns Ndriana, Nathan Andraina Pelimaro, Herhodi Khenyo Raherivolaniaiaina, and Thesbon Matazaky Raolompanantena.
This selection is the result of months of observation aimed at building the most competitive squad possible. The coaches have emphasized collective fundamentals, tactical discipline, game reading, ball movement, and shooting accuracy. The goal is to present a team capable of competing with the region’s best, despite some challenges during preparation.
The mission for the young Ankoay promises to be particularly tough. The tournament will bring together the main nations of Zone 6, namely Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini, South Africa, and Madagascar. Only one team will earn a ticket to the U18 AfroBasket final phase, scheduled for August 5 to 16 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Angola, a four-time African youth champion, will be the main favorite. Mozambique, known for its quality training, and Zimbabwe, supported by its home crowd, are also among the contenders for qualification. Nevertheless, the Malagasy team hopes to create an upset and repeat the qualification achieved in 2022.
National Technical Director Solofohery Angelot Razafiarivony remains confident despite the scale of the challenge. “With the current squad, we have a chance to shake up the hierarchy. Four or five players are over 1.90m tall, several are gold medalists from the CJSOI Games, and others will bring added value. We are ready to take on the challenge,” he stated.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-13 21:48:16 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/afrobasket-u18-harare-douze-jeunes.html