ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) - Algeria (Men) and Madagascar (Women) earned headlines with perfect runs on Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup on December 5.
TEAMS
ALGERIA (Men)
Algeria came out swinging in pool play, solidifying their place int the knockout rounds with a perfect 2 - 0 record. They came away with a gritty 21 - 18 against Seychelles to start things off. Zayd Yahiaoui put up 9 points and 6 rebounds to lead the way for the victory.
They followed it up with a dominant 21 - 8 result against Democratic Republic of the Congo. This time it was a stellar performance from Kamel Ammour who put up 11 points to finish off their day 1 display on a high.
They’re set to take on Tunisia in the Quarter-Final next where they’ll be looking to ride their momentum all the way to Gold.
MADAGASCAR (Women)
A day one display to remember for the home side who went unbeaten to start their tournament.
It was a marquee matchup in their opener, a rematch of the 2024 Final against Egypt. It turned out to be a close battle but Madagascar came out on top 19 - 17 in front of a roaring local crowd In Antananarivo. Ravaka Randriatahiana led the side in scoring with 9 points, paving the way for a crucial win.
They got their second win of the day next, this time against Uganda who offered a close game, but the scores fell 18 - 15 in favor of the home side. The team scored in tandem and grinded out a remarkable result to set themselves in a comfortable place heading into the second half of pool action tomorrow.
PLAYERS
MIDO TAHA (Egypt)
Cairo Irving was getting buckets for Egypt on Day one.
He was the leading force for his side as they went perfect in pool action. He put up 9 points and 6 rebounds in their opening win against Uganda. He then added a 10-point display in their second win over Tunisia.
A perfect pool run for Egypt thanks to an on-fire Mido Taha.
HOULFAT MAHOUCHIZA (Comoros)
Comoros turned heads with their undefeated pool run, and Houlfat Mahouchiza was at the forefront of it.
She dominated with an 8-point/8-rebound performance in a 13 - 11 victory over Benin. She went off again, this time with a 10-point/8-rebound game in their 15 - 11 win over Botswana.
There was no stopping Houlfat on Day 1 as she looks to lead Comoros to a historic podium place in Madagascar.
DAY 2
Pool action continues as we cement our knockout round spots tomorrow. Tune in LIVE to the action through the FIBA 3x3 YouTube channel.