Madagascar faces Senegal in the quarterfinals of the U18 AfroBasket. The Ankoay will need to deliver a complete performance to secure a spot in the final four.
The serious business begins for the Ankoay. After passing the group stage, Madagascar finds itself against Senegal for a place in the semifinals of the U18 AfroBasket, currently in full swing in Abidjan. Ranked fifth and fourth respectively after the first phase, the two countries meet in a duel that promises to be intense and physical. For the young Malagasy players, the goal is clear: to confirm their potential and extend their journey in the competition.
“Reaching the quarterfinals is already a great achievement, but we want to continue the adventure,” acknowledges Tojo Hery Rasamoelina, head coach of the Ankoay. However, the Malagasy technician identifies a problem that must be corrected against the Senegalese: the start of the matches.
“Our players have some doubts at the beginning of each game, which sometimes leads them to confuse speed with haste,” he explains. At this level of competition, a few minutes of hesitation can be very costly.
Another area mentioned by the coach is free-throw accuracy. Madagascar must be more efficient in this aspect, especially if the game comes down to the final possessions. Against an aggressive Senegalese defense, every point counts.
The Ankoay, however, have strengths to showcase. Their ability to win rebounds, their mobility, and the diversity of their offensive solutions could allow them to withstand the Senegalese challenge. Controlling the defensive rebound will be essential to prevent second-chance points and avoid Senegal gradually taking control of the game.
Recent history also provides extra motivation. The two teams met on August 8, 2022, in Antananarivo, where Senegal won 70-62. Thursday’s match carries a sense of revenge for the Ankoay.
For Aimé Randria, known as Coach Mémé, the 2022 U18 African vice-champion and 2023 World Cup participant, “it will be a great fight to watch.” According to him, Senegal has “a slight advantage in terms of preparation and physical size,” but this does not rule out the Ankoay.
In a likely tight quarterfinal, the composure of the point guards, shot selection, and the ability to execute systems under pressure will make the difference. Rebounds, free throws, and turnovers could weigh more than individual qualities.
“We have strategies to counter the Senegalese. But above all, we must avoid turnovers,” assures Tojo Hery Rasamoelina. Madagascar has a real chance but will need to play its most complete game since the start of the tournament.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-12 05:53:53 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/afrobasket-u18-les-ankoay-relevent-le.html