Madagascar and Senegal will face off this Thursday in the U18 AfroBasket quarter-finals at the Treichville court in Abidjan at 6:30 PM Madagascar time. This is a decisive match for both nations, as a loss means elimination and the end of the dream for potential 2027 World Cup qualification.
Off the court, the statistics present two different profiles. The ‘Ankoay’ (Madagascar team) have scored 171 points and conceded 166. Senegal has scored 179 points while conceding 121. With a point differential of +58 compared to +5, the ‘Lionceaux’ (Senegal team) show clear defensive superiority. Both teams hold a record of two wins and one loss, but Senegal’s superior differential does not necessarily condemn the Ankoay in advance.
The Malagasy statistical core relies primarily on Harinosy A’Ranty Rasetriarivony. In three matches, he has averaged 18.3 points in 30 minutes with a 52.5% shooting accuracy. He is the primary playmaker, averaging 8.7 assists, though his three-point shooting remains a weakness at 0 for 5.
Thesbon Matazaky Raolompanatena is another key player, contributing 7.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Tsiory Ulrick Rakotozafy, Havanirina Theidy Raveloson, and Tsiriniaina Fandresena Yoann Ndriana also provide essential support around A’Ranty.
On the opposing side, Codé Mbengue leads Senegal with 12.7 points per game. Senegal relies heavily on a defense that concedes only 40.3 points per game, compared to Madagascar’s 55.3. This 15-point gap is a major warning for the Ankoay, who must improve their defense and control the rebounds.
Ndranto Rakotonanahary, coach of MB2ALL, notes that while Senegal is the favorite on paper, they are beatable. If the Ankoay can secure rebounds, defend effectively, and find alternatives to A’Ranty, they have the weapons to reverse the trend.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-13 06:09:08 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/afrobasket-u18-quarts-de-finale.html