Madagascar's U18 basketball team, known as the Ankoay, suffered a defeat against Mali in their final group stage game at the 2026 FIBA Afrobasket U18 tournament. The loss, however, did not prevent Madagascar from advancing to the quarterfinals, as they finished among the top teams in their group.
The match took place on August 10, 2026, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, which is hosting the tournament. Mali proved too strong, but the Ankoay showed resilience throughout the game. Despite the setback, the team's overall group stage performance secured their place in the knockout round.
Madagascar's next challenge will be a quarterfinal matchup, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The team remains focused on their goal of reaching the semifinals and potentially competing for a medal on home soil.
Coach and players expressed confidence after the match, emphasizing the lessons learned from the loss and their determination to bounce back. The home crowd's support is expected to be a key factor in the upcoming games.
