The Ankoay men’s 5×5 basketball team are seeking qualification for Afrobasket 2025. The list of pre-selected players for pre-qualification has been revealed, including twelve locals and three expatriates.
The Malagasy Basketball Federation (FMBB) has revealed the list of pre-selected Ankoay, the Malagasy national basketball team, in preparation for the pre-qualification tournament for Afrobasket 2025. The 15 pre-selected basketball players, including 12 locals and three expatriates , will have a week of training scheduled from January 7 to 14. This pre-qualification tournament is scheduled to be held from January 15 to 19 in Madagascar. Among the expatriates are familiar faces such as Kiady Razanamahenina and Rija Lahontan, having already proudly worn the Ankoay colors during international meetings. Rija Lahontan joined the Ankoay for the first time during the Island Games in 2019. The playmaker led his team to the coronation in Mauritius and also during the Island Games at home this year. Newcomer to the national team, Mathias M’Madi, a player from the University of Sewards team in the United States, brings his first senior selection after shining at the Afrobasket U18 and the Debrecen U19 World Cup this year . The coaching tandem composed of Jeannot Ravonimbola and Ndranto Rakotonanahary, reappointed at the head of the senior Ankoay, will lead the team. This duo has already proven itself during the Island Games in August, winning a gold medal for the Big Island.
After missing the last edition of Afrobasket, Madagascar will have to go through pre-qualification. This stage will see the participation of teams from Zone 5, Madagascar and Djibouti. If successful, the Ankoay will join Group D, alongside Ivory Coast, Egypt and the Central African Republic. The first qualifying window for groups B, E and D takes place from February 19 to 27.
Heriniaina Samson
List of preselected teams:
1- Lahontan Rija (PSB France)
2- Mathias M’Madi (Seward County USA)
3- Ravelojaona Ony Tanjona (SBC Vakinankaratra)
4- Randriamampionona Elly (GNBC Analamanga)
5- Razanamahenina Kiady (Lyonso France)
6- Ratianarivo Livio Rocheteau (COSPN Analamanga)
7- Tsialefitra Jino (ASCUT East)
8- Marco Rakotovao (COSPN Analamanga)
9- Mandimbison Constant Fabrice (GNBC Analamanga)
10- Monja Romain (ASCUT East)
11- Rasolomanana Anthony Nelson (COSPN Analamanga)
12- Solondainy Alpha Arnol (COSPN Analamanga)
13- Rakotonirina Fiary Johnson (GNBC Analamanga)
14- Raharison Aziz (BCB Boeny)
15- Loubacky Rick-Ley (GNBC Analamanga)
The article Afrobasket 2025 – Pre-qualification: Three expatriates in the shortlisted list appeared first on Midi Madagasikara.
