The U18 Ankoay have secured their ticket to the 2026 Afrobasket. They confirmed their dominance over Zimbabwe and are now heading to Abidjan, scheduled from August 5 to 16.
Mission accomplished for the U18 Ankoay. Madagascar officially validated its spot for the final phase of the 2026 Afrobasket by defeating Zimbabwe once again last night during the return leg of the Zone 6 qualifiers. Following their 88-44 victory in the first leg, the young Malagasy players repeated their performance with an 84-45 win (15-17, 31-7, 27-9, 11-12). This qualification was earned in style, opening the door to a much greater challenge.
The start of the match was laborious for the Ankoay. Initially scheduled for 7:00 PM, the game did not begin until 7:19 PM. With a comfortable 44-point lead from the first leg, coach Tojo Hery Rasamoelina’s players did not rush. Zimbabwe took advantage to lead the first quarter 17-15, but this was short-lived.
The Ankoay quickly corrected their course. More aggressive in defense and better organized offensively, they took control in the second quarter. By halftime, they led 46-24. The Ankoay continued to dominate after the break, extending their lead to 40 points (73-33) by the end of the third quarter, before finishing at 84-45.
However, the reality in Abidjan will be different. The level of competition will be much higher, and the young Malagasy will need to be more consistent and disciplined to compete with Africa’s basketball powerhouses. Jean Michel Ramaroson, president of the Malagasy Basketball Federation (FMBB), emphasized that this is just one step and that the hardest work is yet to come.
Individually, Emerick Raveloarison and A’Ranty Rasetriarivony were the top scorers for Madagascar with 19 points each. Beyond individual performances, it was the collective strength that allowed Madagascar to secure its qualification.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-31 06:08:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/afrobasket-5×5-u18-les-ankoay-valident.html