The Ankoay 3×3 team, competing under the name ‘Antananarivo’ at the Challenger Runball in Réunion, did not advance past the group stages. However, the Malagasy squad returns with valuable points for the world ranking.
It was a tall order. After winning the Maevatanana Lite Quest in May, the Malagasy team representing Antananarivo faced a much higher level of competition this weekend at the Challenger Runball in Saint-Denis, Réunion. Up against European teams accustomed to international clashes, the Malagasy representatives saw their journey end in the group phase.
Before entering the main draw, the Ankoay had successfully navigated their qualification round. They first secured a narrow but vital victory against Algiers, representing Algeria (15-14), in a tightly contested match. A few hours later, they confirmed their momentum by dominating Tan-Tan, the Moroccan flag-bearer, with a score of 18-10, thus validating their ticket to the group stages.
However, the draw gave them no respite. Faced with Vienna (Austria), the Malagasy team was quickly put under pressure by the long-range accuracy and experience of their opponents. The Austrians won 22-11, leveraging their distance shooting to quickly widen the gap.
With their backs against the wall, Antananarivo had to win their second match against Bordeaux.
Strong Aggressiveness
The Malagasy team delivered a much more complete performance. Keeping pace with the French side for a long time, they showed great aggressiveness and better collective control. But victory slipped away from them by a whisker (17-18), putting an end to their run in this international circuit leg.
Despite this premature elimination, this trip was far from pointless for the Ankoay. The Challenger Runball is among the tournaments sanctioned by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and awards points towards the individual and national world rankings.
In 3×3 basketball, this ranking is a strategic element. Performances throughout the season help improve the world standing of players and their federation. This positioning is crucial in the Olympic qualification race, as top-ranked nations benefit from privileged access to qualifying tournaments, and for some, direct qualification.
By testing themselves against experienced squads like Vienna and Bordeaux, the Ankoay continue their learning at the highest level. While the sporting result is frustrating, the matches played in Réunion enrich their international experience and build their points total—an essential investment for future continental events and the long road to the Olympic Games.
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-29 06:30:04 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/basketball-3×3-les-ankoay-balayes-du.html