Madagascar made history on Sunday by winning the men’s and women’s FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2024. In a tournament held on home soil, the local teams dominated the tournament and closed with victories over Rwanda and Egypt respectively. This double triumph marks a milestone in Africa and cements Madagascar as an emerging power in 3×3 basketball.
MADAGASCAR MEN SWEEP THE BOARD
The Madagascar men’s team had a perfect run in the tournament, remaining undefeated and crowning themselves with a spectacular victory in the final. In a lopsided duel, the home side defeated Rwanda by an overwhelming 22-3 scoreline, with Livio Ratianarivo leading the way offensively with 11 points. Madagascar’s dominance was not limited to the final; the team showed their power from the early stages, defeating a competitive Algeria team in the semi-finals and making it clear that they were the favourites for the title.
AN INTENSE DUEL FOR THE WOMEN
For their part, the Madagascar women’s team had a tougher challenge on their way to gold. After an outstanding group stage, where they had already overcome Egypt, the home side met this powerful opponent again in the final. In a tight game, Minaoharisoa Jaofera was the key player, contributing 8 points and 6 rebounds to secure a narrow 20-15 victory for Madagascar. This victory ratifies the excellent level of women’s basketball in the country and its ability to compete at the highest level.
BRONZE MEDALS FOR ALGERIA AND KENYA
In the third place matches, the Algeria men’s team took bronze after defeating Benin 18-15, thanks to the outstanding performance of Chakib Sedoud, who recorded 9 points and 7 rebounds. In the women’s category, 2023 champions Kenya took bronze with a solid 20-11 win also over Benin, led by Esther Ashley Minayo, who scored 10 points and 6 rebounds.
TORUNAMENT MVPS AND TEAMS
Livio Ratianarivo was named MVP of the men’s tournament after racking up 24 points in the final two games to lead Madagascar to glory. Joining Ratianarivo on the all-tournament team were Olivier Turatsinze of Rwanda and Chakib Sedoud of Algeria, who were key players for their respective teams.
In the women’s category, Christiane Jaofera of Madagascar shone with a player value of 32.9, the highest of the tournament. Jaofera was recognised as MVP, while Habiba Mohamed (Egypt) and Christine Akinyi (Kenya) completed the ideal team.
Men’s final standings
1. Madagascar
2. Rwanda
3. Algeria
4. Benin
5. Kenya
6. Mauritania
7. Seychelles
Central African Republic
9. Uganda
10. Egypt
Women’s final ranking
1. Madagascar
2. Egypt
3. Kenya
4. Benin
5. Rwanda
6. Uganda
7. Comoros
