The Madagascar U18 national team is entering the final stretch of its preparation before departing for Harare, where they will compete in the Zone 6 qualifiers for the U18 Afrobasket from July 22 to 30. Facing host nation Zimbabwe and Namibia, the young Ankoay have no room for error, as only the winner of the mini-tournament will secure a ticket to the continental final phase scheduled for August in Dakar, Senegal.
Aware of the stakes, head coach Tojo Rasamoelina expects a particularly tough competition. “We expect a difficult match in Harare because only one of the three countries will earn their ticket to Dakar. The young Ankoay are ready to take on the challenge,” he stated confidently.
The coach can count on a significant reinforcement with the arrival of US-based expatriate Thesbon Matazaky Raolompanantena. Integrated into the group just a few days ago, the young forward has already shown great promise. “He has shown his potential. Thanks to his imposing size, his presence in the paint, and his quality at the free-throw line, he constitutes an additional weapon for Madagascar,” confides Tojo Rasamoelina.
To fine-tune their preparations, the U18 Ankoay played a test match against ASB Itasy on Thursday afternoon, winning convincingly 97-59, confirming the progress made during their training camp.
The mission promises to be difficult against Zimbabwe, who will rely on the support of their home crowd. “We have already faced Zimbabwe in the senior category and won. But playing at home, they will have the home-court advantage. It is up to us to rise to the occasion, as the goal is to secure that continental ticket,” concluded Tojo Rasamoelina.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-17 05:41:39 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/afrobasket-5×5-u18-la-namibie-et-le.html