The Ankoay 2 team is aiming for qualification to the Lausanne Masters during the Runball Challenger in Reunion Island. Following their victory in Maevatanana, they are looking to cement their progress on the FIBA 3×3 circuit.
Having won the Lite Quest in Maevatanana last May, Ankoay 2, competing under the banner of Antananarivo, is gearing up for a significantly tougher challenge at the Runball Challenger in Saint-Denis, Reunion, scheduled for June 27 and 28. Their ultimate goal: a qualifying spot for the prestigious Lausanne Masters.
Comprising players Livio Ratianarivo, Kanto Arimanana, Hasina Rasolonandrianina, and Cédric Andriatsimialona, the Malagasy squad enters this Challenger tournament with the ambition to continue their climb within the FIBA 3×3 circuit.
The Malagasy team secured their ticket after their victory at the Lite Quest – Red River tournament, held in Maevatanana on May 22 and 23. In an all-Ankoay final, Livio’s side (Ankoay 2) narrowly defeated Ankoay 1—featuring Elly Randriamampionona, Anthony Rasolomanana, Arnol Solondrainy, and Marco Rakotovao, before their departure for the World Cup in Poland—with a score of 21-20.
The match lived up to all expectations. As the two teams traded blows, Livio Ratianarivo clinched the win for his side by sinking a two-point shot in the final seconds. It was a spectacular, high-difficulty shot that turned the game and secured the title for Ankoay 2.
Financial Stakes
However, the context in Reunion will be quite different. This second edition of the Runball has elevated its status to a “Challenger” level, attracting more experienced teams and players accustomed to international competition.
Ankoay will face off against Tan-Tan (Morocco) and Algiers (Algeria) in the playoff matches for a spot in Pool A. Every match will be crucial in a competition where the level of play promises to be exceptionally high, featuring teams from Europe, America, Asia, and Africa.
Beyond the tournament’s prestige and prize money, the stakes are significant. The winner will earn a ticket to the Lausanne Masters, one of the most competitive stages on the FIBA 3×3 world circuit. Qualification would mark a new chapter in the rise of Malagasy 3×3 basketball.
The financial aspect is also not insignificant. The previous edition offered a total prize pool of 20,000 euros, with 10,000 euros going to the winners. But for Ankoay, the primary goal remains sporting: to confirm the progress of Malagasy 3×3 basketball and prove that their feat in Maevatanana was not just a flash in the pan.
By Donné Raherinjatovo
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-20 06:00:15 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/basketball-3×3-challenger-runball-les.html