ABIDJAN (Côte d’Ivoire) – Fourteen years after their last appearance, the Madagascar team is returning to Africa’s biggest basketball stage. This time, however, they’re not just here to make up the numbers.
They hosted the FIBA AfroBasket in 2011 but failed to make a lasting impact. Now, with a new generation of players and a new coaching staff, the Ankoay are looking to rewrite their story.
They are in a fiercely competitive Group B with Nigeria, Cameroon, and defending champions Tunisia. They know every game will be a battle.
However, Madagascar isn’t coming in blind. They battled through a grueling qualification campaign, built team chemistry over the years, and discovered key players who can compete with the best in Africa.
AfroBasket History
Madagascar’s journey through the AfroBasket tournament has been marked by brief appearances and unfinished chapters. They debuted in 1972, finishing ninth out of twelve. After an absence of 31 years, they returned in 2003 but finished last in Egypt.
Their third appearance was in 2011 in Antananarivo, their home city. Energized by their local fans, the team started strong but faltered against stronger opponents, losing to Mozambique, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal.
Their lone AfroBasket triumph was a dominant 82-61 victory over South Africa. Now, they are returning for a fourth time, determined to make a real mark.
Road to Angola 2025
Madagascar’s path to qualification was anything but easy.
They finished the qualifiers with a 2–4 record, but that doesn't tell the whole story.
During the first qualifying window in Cairo in February 2024, they lost to Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt but salvaged some hope with a hard-fought 76-69 win over the Central African Republic.
In the final window, held in Mahamas in February 2025, they stunned Egypt with an 82-80 victory — a game defined by grit, structure, and intensity. Though they lost their other two games to Côte d’Ivoire and the Central African Republic (CAF), their resilience was a sign of growth and a warning to future opponents.
Coaching Staff
John Douaglin is at the helm. He is a seasoned figure on the African basketball circuit and has previously coached DR Congo and Côte d’Ivoire. His tournament experience could be crucial in navigating the pressures of a challenging group.
Backing him up are Ndranto Rakotonanahary, the assistant coach; Nicolas Berthault, the physical preparation coach; and Mathieu Rakotomalala, the video analyst. This shows that the Malagasy federation is leaving no stone unturned.
Key Players
Mathias M’Madi
M’Madi, the team’s engine and creative spark, was the MVP of the 2022 FIBA U18 AfroBasket.
He also impressed at the U19 World Cup. During the qualifiers, he averaged 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. He shone brightest with 17 points against Côte d’Ivoire and 18 against Egypt. His poise and leadership are essential to the Ankoay's success.
Elly Randriamampionona
Steady in the backcourt, Randriamampionona averaged over 31 minutes per game during the qualifiers, contributing 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He shot 33.3% from the three-point line and was reliable from the free throw line, making 10 of 12 shots.
Sitraka Rajarimamantoanina
The 6'9" (2.07 m) center brings a bruising interior presence. He averages 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, and two blocks per game. Sitraka’s standout moment came against Egypt when he tallied 15 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks. His shot-blocking and rebounding could be key against stronger opponents.\
World Ranking Presented by NIKE:
19th (Africa), 105th (World)
Outlook
Madagascar approaches its fourth AfroBasket appearance with cautious optimism. In past editions (1972, 2003, and 2011), they failed to reach the top eight. Their lone win in 2011 came at home, and they struggled to compete with the top teams.
However, there’s a different energy now. Their win over Egypt proved that they can rise to the occasion. They’ve shown flashes of tactical maturity and a refusal to fold under pressure.
Yet, Group B is a gauntlet. Nigeria’s athleticism, Cameroon’s size and depth, and Tunisia’s tactical discipline will make it difficult to advance. However, if they bring the same tenacity and belief they showed in Mahamas, they might pull off an upset or two and finally carve out their place among the elite of African basketball.
FIBA