The stage is set. From Thursday until October 4, the Mahamasina Sports Palace will host the final battle for the N1A national title for both men and women. Following the phases held in Antsirabe and Mahajanga, the title contenders are gathering in the capital with a common goal: to overcome the obstacles leading to the championship. Cospn enters as the defending champion, though the first phase suggests a highly competitive tournament.
As the reigning champion, Cospn will immediately face a formidable opponent in Ascut Atsinanana. These two teams know each other perfectly, and their rivalry has become a staple of Malagasy men’s basketball.
Recent encounters highlight this balance. In 2023, Ascut eliminated Cospn in the national championship semifinals (68-59). In 2024, Cospn took revenge in the East Conference final (76-68), though Ascut later topped the Elite 8 standings. The 2025 season continued this trend, with Cospn narrowly defeating Ascut 87-84 in overtime during the League Cup final in Antsirabe.
“We have a status to defend as the reigning champion. We will strive to live up to it, even if it won’t be easy,” says Richardin Ratsitokana, assistant coach of Cospn. On the other side, Ascut’s head coach, Richard Rabearimanana, notes: “We are prepared, but facing Cospn is no small feat. We will try to push them until the very last moment.”
While Friday’s duel may not be decisive for the title race, it will serve as a true litmus test for both contenders.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-23 06:23:35 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/basketball-5×5-lascut-defie-le-cospn.html