The twelve teams participating in the U18 Afrobasket are divided into three groups of four, with each team playing three matches during the group stage. The continental tournament is currently taking place in Abidjan, featuring the Madagascar men’s team, the Ankoay.
Thanks to a qualification system that includes the two best second-placed teams, Madagascar maintains a strong chance of reaching the quarterfinals following their opening victory against Gabon. This win places them second in their group behind Mali. The competition format keeps the suspense alive until the final day, allowing teams to recover from an initial setback.
After the group stage, the eight qualified teams will be ranked to determine the quarterfinal matchups. From the quarterfinals onwards, the competition shifts to a single-elimination format, leading to the semifinals and the final to crown the new African champion.
For Madagascar, the goal is to secure a victory against Morocco to guarantee a spot, or at least aim for one of the best second-place finishes. The mission remains challenging against experienced teams like Mali, Senegal, Nigeria, Tunisia, and the host nation, Ivory Coast. The Ankoay will need to demonstrate solidarity and consistency, drawing inspiration from their predecessors who were finalists on home soil in 2022.
Following their win against Gabon, a victory against Morocco tonight at 10:30 PM would offer the Malagasy team a direct qualification for the quarterfinals. Even if they finish third, they still have a real chance of advancing as one of the two best third-placed teams across the three groups.
“The hope of reaching the quarterfinals is alive. Against Morocco, we must play a perfect game, ensure every shot counts, and avoid unnecessary turnovers,” said Solofohery Angelot Razafiarivony, Technical Director of the FMBB and head of the Malagasy delegation in Abidjan.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-07 06:09:03 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/basketball-5×5-competition-de-formation.html