The Ankoay left no chance for Namibia, securing a dominant 115-31 victory (29-10, 29-10, 32-4, 25-7) thanks to a collective performance across all areas of the game.
The young Ankoay perfectly launched their campaign in the U18 Afrobasket qualifiers, currently being held at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe, by putting on a demonstration against Namibia.
From the start, the players coached by Tojo Hery Rasamoelina set an infernal pace, completely stifling their opponents. More aggressive in defense and efficient in attack, the Malagasy team quickly widened the gap to lead 29-10 at the end of the first quarter.
The game’s dynamic remained unchanged in the second act. The Ankoay continued to rack up interceptions, dominate rebounds, and capitalize on every Namibian turnover to score easy baskets. The second quarter ended with the same score (29-10), allowing Madagascar to head to the locker room with a comfortable 58-20 lead.
After the break, the Malagasy team raised their level of play even further. Their defense became nearly impenetrable, with Namibia scoring only four points in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Ankoay displayed their collective basketball skills to score 32 points, bringing the score to 90-24 before the final ten minutes.
The last quarter was a mere formality. Despite a large lead, the young Malagasy players maintained the same intensity until the final buzzer, winning with a resounding 115-31 score, an 84-point margin.
This victory was built on a remarkable overall performance. Madagascar shot 56.2% from the field (50 out of 89), including 77.2% from two-point range (44/57). The Ankoay also dominated the interior with 46 rebounds compared to only 20 for the Namibians, while recording 24 assists and 25 interceptions, proving their immense defensive pressure.
Individually, Ndriana Tsiriniaina Fandresena Yoann finished as the top scorer with 24 points, shooting an impressive 11 of 13. Thesbson Matazaky Raolompanantena added 14 points, while Emerick Raveloarison scored 13. Tsiory Ulrick Rakotozafy and Nathan Andraina Pelimaro Rakotomanga each contributed 12 points, illustrating the depth of the Malagasy bench. In total, eleven players contributed to the scoring.
Solofohery Angelot Razafiarivony, National Technical Director of the Malagasy Basketball Federation, who is accompanying the delegation in Zimbabwe, commented: “The young Ankoay dominated the match physically.” He also noted a last-minute schedule change that delayed the Madagascar-Namibia match by an hour. Madagascar will face the host country today.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-27 06:09:13 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/basketball-5×5-u18-les-jeunes-ankoay.html