Madagascar's under-18 basketball team, known as the Ankoay, is set to participate in the 2026 FIBA Afrobasket U18 tournament, which will be held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The team enters the competition as underdogs, facing stronger regional opponents.
The tournament serves as a qualifier for the FIBA U18 World Cup, adding significance to each game. Madagascar will need to perform well to advance beyond the group stage and secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
According to FIBA's official schedule, the tournament is expected to take place in August 2026, though specific dates and the full list of participating teams have not been fully confirmed. The Ankoay will rely on young talents from the national youth program, which has been developing steadily in recent years.
Coach and team officials have emphasized the importance of experience gained from such high-level competition, regardless of the final results. The team aims to build on its performance and grow as a unit for future international events.
