| The two Ankoays crowned 2024 African champions at home. |
The two Ankoay national teams won the final of the 2024 Africa Cup and became African champions for the sixth edition. The Mongolian World Cup awaits them in 2025.
A faultless run and two titles won at home. Madagascar, through its two Ankoay national teams, won the final victory of the Africa Cup 2024 by winning respectively ahead of Egypt for the ladies and against Rwanda for the men. Madagascar became African champion for the second time in the men’s category after the 2022 coronation, and it is the first time for Muriel’s gang with her teammates made up of Christiane, Chine and Sydonie. This is the final result of the Africa Cup 2024, which ended yesterday at the Mahamasina Sports Palace, committed to the Malagasy cause. The path to the Mongolian World Cup in June 2025 opens for the two Ankoays.
In the women’s category, Madagascar beat Egypt with a score of 20-15. The Africa Cup 3×3 basketball final, sixth edition for women, began at 7:55 p.m., pitting Madagascar against Egypt.
After a minute of play, Madagascar led by 2-1, then 3-1 with 8”12 left in the match. At 7”20 from the end of the match, the Ankoay girls led with a score of 6-4, then 8-4 with a 2-point shot from Christiane. At 6”28 from the end of the match, Madagascar retained the lead with a score of 8-7. At 4”16 from the end of the match, the two teams were tied, 9 all, before Madagascar took the lead again, 10-9, thanks to a successful shot from Christiane. At 3”32 from the end of the match, the two teams were at 11 all, then 12-11 for the Ankoay.
Indelible story
Buoyed by the support of their public, the Ankoay gained in confidence, despite the seven mistakes committed. For their part, the Egyptians, physically tested, missed numerous shooting opportunities. The final score, 20-15 in favor of Madagascar, offered the Ankoay ladies their first title.
In the men’s category, pitting Madagascar against Rwanda, the Ankoay were untouchable, and the two fireworks Livio Ratianarivo and Elly Randrimampionona were stratospheric. They showed their talent by carrying the national team on their shoulders. The Ankoay beat Rwanda 22-3 before the end of 10 minutes of regulation time.
The final began at 7:22 p.m. with the Malagasy throw-in: Livio opened the scoring for Madagascar, who led 2-0, then 3-0, then 5-0 after 1 minute 5 seconds of play. Elly hit the nail on the head by scoring 2 points, 8-0 after 1 minute 30 of play. After 3 minutes of play, Madagascar led 11-0, 11-1, then 13-1, 15-1 5”42 from the end of the match.
Dominating all aspects of the game, the Ankoay men muzzled the Rwandans, who lost their skill in the semi-final. The final score was 22-3 for Madagascar, synonymous with a second African coronation.
After the second African coronation, Elly Randrimampionona, very moved and very happy, showed her gratitude to the public: “I thank the public who came to support us. Thank you, and it’s thanks to you that we’re here this evening. I dedicate this victory to the Malagasy people. »
As for Muriel Harisoa Hajanirina, she says she is very proud to be Malagasy: “It is a victory for the Malagasy people and we have written a beautiful, indelible history of Malagasy basketball and 3×3 in particular. »
Madagascar responded during the Africa Cup 2024, sixth edition, played at home. The two Ankoay national teams, men’s and women’s, won the title of African champions, remaining undefeated from the elimination phases until the final. Faced with the Egyptians, formidable opponents of Ankoay, nothing could stop the impressive skill of Muriel, elected MVP, accompanied by Sydonie (or Sydi for those in the know) and China. The Ankoay men produced a stratospheric performance, winning their second African star. With their progress, they are now qualified for the World Cup. Congratulations to the Ankoays!
Donné Raherinjatovo
