The Malagasy Basketball Federation (FMBB) has revealed the list of fifteen players pre-selected to prepare for the qualification window for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
The race towards the 2027 World Cup, scheduled for Qatar, is officially launched for the Ankoay senior men in 5×5 basketball. A few weeks before the qualifying window scheduled in Dakar, from February 26 to March 1, the FMBB has made public the list of players called upon to defend the national colors. Fifteen names appear on this preselection, all already present during the African Championship in Luanda last year, a sign of a desire for continuity from the technical staff.
If stability is favored, certain absences are nevertheless notable. Donovan Rakotonanahary and Lovasoa Ny Aina Andriantsarafara, both involved in sports-study programs in the United States, will not be able to be part of the adventure. Jerry Pépin Rabibisoa and leader Rija Lahontan are also missing.
The preparation starts today at the Sports Palace of Mahamasina with the local players. The Malagasy core is composed of Marco Rakotovao, Livio Ratianarivo, Anthony Rasolomanana, Arnol Solondrainy, Fiary Rakotonirina, Monja Faralahy, Hasina Rasolofonandrianina, Cédric Andriatsimialona and Kanto Arimanana.
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They will gradually be joined by expatriates working in particular in France and Mayotte in order to complete the final group.
For a training challenge
Placed in Group B, the Ankoay will have to face Senegal, host country, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Three major African basketball nations, accustomed to continental games and equipped with professional players playing in the best championships.
The technical staff remains unchanged, with John Douaglin reappointed as coach and Ndranto Rakotonanahary as assistant.
For this first phase of work, it is Ndranto Rakotonanahary who leads the sessions with the local players in Mahamasina, while awaiting the arrival of the entire group.
This qualifying campaign represents above all a key step in the construction of Malagasy basketball. Competing against the best teams in Africa allows you to accumulate experience, progress tactically and mentally, but also to offer an international showcase to local talents likely to attract the attention of foreign clubs.
“It’s a very difficult group, with experienced countries and professional players. You will have to fight very hard to hope for good results. »
Ankoay 5×5 preselection (15 players)
Evolving in Madagascar: Marco Rakotovao – COSPN MadagascarLivio Ratianarivo – COSPN MadagascarAnthony Rasolomanana – COSPN MadagascarArnol Solondrainy – COSPN MadagascarFiary Rakotonirina – GNBC MadagascarMonja Faralahy – ASCUT MadagascarHasina Rasolofonandrianina – Fandrasoa MadagascarCédric Andriatsimialona – GNBC MadagascarKanto Arimanana – Mada Pro MadagascarEvolving abroad: Mathias M’Madi – BC Orchies (France)Austin Rasolonjatovo – Saint-Vallier Basket Drôme (France) Elly Randriamampionona – Vautour Club (Mayotte) Kiady Razanamahenina – FranceSitraka Raharimanantoanina – Élan Béarnais (France) Johan Randriamanajara – Rennes (France)
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