In pursuit of qualification for the Elite 16 of the 2027 Road to Basketball Africa League (BAL), COSPN has bolstered its roster with two experienced foreign recruits, Jorge Filipe and Ikenna Okeke.
COSPN is determined to stack the odds in its favor for the continental event. With the 2027 Road to BAL qualifiers scheduled for October 21-25 in Hoima City, Uganda, the five-time Madagascar champion has chosen to strengthen its squad with two international players. Presented on Friday during a press conference at Barea Stadium, Angolan player Jorge Filipe, who previously played for Petro de Luanda, and Nigerian-American Ikenna Okeke have joined the group led by coach Tojo Rasamoelina.
The technical staff is confident in their contribution. “These are two experienced players. They adapt very quickly on the court and will be able to bring something extra,” says Tojo Rasamoelina.
With Jorge Filipe, COSPN specifically strengthens its interior sector. The Angolan center, standing at approximately 2.06m, offers additional physical presence under the basket. His size can be an advantage in duels, rebounding, and defensive tasks. His experience at Petro de Luanda is also an asset for this continental challenge.
Meanwhile, Ikenna Okeke, who plays as a guard, is expected to help energize the perimeter game. His background across the United States and Europe, notably in Denmark with FOG Næstved, provides additional depth for the Malagasy club. His versatility and offensive qualities could offer more solutions to Tojo Rasamoelina in playmaking and scoring.
In this short competition, the synergy between the new recruits and the Malagasy core could make the difference. COSPN will need to balance its game, maintain defensive intensity, and demonstrate efficiency in decisive moments.
In Group D of the Eastern Division, the police club will face Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers, Burundi’s Urunani Basketball Club, and South Sudan’s Patriots Basketball Club. Following the withdrawal of the Comoros, four teams remain in contention for the single qualifying spot for the next stage of the competition. For COSPN, the goal is clear: finish at the top of the group and continue the journey toward BAL 2027.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-17 05:53:47 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/basketball-road-to-bal-le-cospn-recrute.html