Madagascar cemented its dominance in 3×3 basketball at the ANOCA Zone 7 Games, held in the picturesque Seychelles last week.
Showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork, the Malagasy teams swept both the men’s and women’s gold medals in the competition, which featured athletes under the age of 18 from the region.
The Malagasy men’s team, consisting of Loïc Andrianjatovo, Ulrich Voahasy, Laurentin Tahimana Morailily, and Harinosy A’Ranty Rasetriarivony, delivered flawless performances throughout the tournament.
Competing against teams from Seychelles, Comoros, and Mauritius in a single-pool format, Madagascar established themselves as clear favorites from the onset.
They opened their campaign with a dominant 21-0 victory over Mauritius, followed by a solid 13-8 win against Comoros. The hosts, Seychelles, also fell to the Malagasy juggernaut, losing 20-7 in the group stage. Madagascar further stamped their authority by trouncing Seychelles 21-3 in the semi-finals.
Comoros, having edged past Seychelles 13-11 and secured a dramatic overtime win against Mauritius (16-15), managed to reach the final.
However, the final match was heavily one-sided, as Madagascar cruised to a comprehensive 21-9 victory, showcasing their superiority. Mauritius claimed third place with a 12-9 win over Seychelles.
Echoing their male counterparts, the Malagasy women’s team, composed of Estelle Voahangy, Fideline Lyciana Rasoarivelo, Harena Henintsoa Randriamasimanana, and Mbola Sahaza Rasolofonjanahary, dominated their 3×3 basketball competition.
They maintained a perfect record, triumphing in all five of their matches, including the final.
The Malagasy women set the tone with a crushing 21-0 win over Mauritius and continued their relentless form with a 21-1 victory against Comoros.
Against Seychelles, they recorded another emphatic 21-0 win in the group stage. In the semi-finals, they once again displayed their prowess, defeating Comoros 21-1.
Seychelles secured their spot in the final with a hard-fought 7-1 victory over Mauritius. However, the final proved to be a repeat of the group stage encounter, as the Malagasy women overwhelmed Seychelles 21-0, clinching the gold in less than ten minutes. Mauritius finished third by defeating Comoros 12-3.
Madagascar’s triumph at the ANOCA Zone 7 Games is a testament to their excellence in 3×3 basketball. Both their men’s and women’s teams exhibited impeccable skill, strategic play, and resilience, underscoring their dominance in the region.
As the Malagasy athletes bask in the glory of their double gold victory, their performances serve as an inspiration and a benchmark for future competitions.
Photo: FIBA
