Your Weekly Dose of FIBA Africa Zone 7 News: Comoros’ Usoni and AS Faigaffe grab early-season silverware, while Madagascar’s Nosy Be discover what it takes to perform on the World 3x3 stage. Meanwhile, Mauritius’ Roche-Bois Warriors are gearing up for their Road to BAL return.
Last Updated on
October 5, 2025
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The Comoros' men's and women's Ngazidja Regional League season tipped off in style with the Federation Cup crowning its first champions. On the men's side, Usoni Club Basket Mutsamudu battled their way to glory after a nail-biting final against Ushindzi Club de Ouani. The crowd was on edge until the very last second, before Usoni edged out a 67-65 win to claim their first trophy of the year.
In contrast, the women’s final was one-way traffic. AS Faigaffe took complete control early and never looked back against Watukuf Walezi Féminine Ouani. By the end of the third quarter, the gap had stretched to 60-24, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
What followed was more of a demonstration than a contest, with AS Faigaffe cruising to the title. Two very different finals — one full of suspense, the other sheer dominance — officially set the tone for the new season in the Comoros.
The FIBA 3x3 World Tour made a stop in Shenzhen, China, this weekend, gathering some of the globe's best squads. Madagascar's representative, Nosy Be, stepped onto the global stage with ambition, knowing they had to clear the qualifying hurdle against Croatia-based outfit Samobor and Brisbane from Australia.
The team, led by 2022 African 3x3 champion and captain Fiary Johnson Rakotonirina alongside Marco Rakotovao, Hasina Rasolonandrianina and Kanto Damie Arimanana, escaped the thriller with a one-point 21-20 win over Samobor, anchored by Arimanana's game-high 10 points. However, they later fell heavily to Brisbane 21-6, after which Samobor secured the quarterfinal ticket with a 21-16 victory over Brisbane.
Beyond the competition, Shenzhen adds extra spice with large prize money on the line: $40,000 for the winner, $30,000 for the runner-up, with semifinalists and other top finishers also cashing in.
Madagascar is gearing up to host the FIBA Africa 3x3 Cup in just two months, and the ambition is clear — defend both the men’s and women’s crowns.
“Our ambitions are clear: to retain the African championship titles in both categories, or at the very least to reach the finals and book another ticket to the World Cup,” said Brenda Nomenjanahary, Head of 3x3 in Madagascar.
Since 2016, 3x3 has grown steadily across the island. From grassroots tournaments in Antananarivo to the first steps on the African scene in 2017, and even hosting international competitions in 2019, every milestone has pushed the discipline forward. The track record speaks volumes: two continental titles, an African Games medal and World Cup appearances for both national teams.
Infrastructure, training and funding challenges remain, but Madagascar is now firmly established as one of the leaders of African 3x3.
“It shows Madagascar is recognized as a serious player in African 3x3, and even beyond Africa,” Nomenjanahary added.
Mauritian champions Roche-Bois Warriors will take on Group E rivals at the Road to BAL in Zambia from October 22–26.
The qualification tournament promises high-level battles, and with six teams already confirmed, including Zone 7 rivals Djabal Basket Iconi.
However, this won’t be unfamiliar territory. The Warriors first appeared in the BAL qualifiers in 2022, following their national league championship victory in 2020. Drawn in Group F, they faced off against heavyweights Matero Magic, Cape Town Tigers and Ferroviario da Beira, but finished without a win in four outings.
Three years on, the Mauritian league champions return with more experience and the hunger to prove themselves. For Roche-Bois, this campaign is not just about redemption; it’s about showing how far they’ve come.
[Photograpy: Courtesy of Comoros Basketball Federation, FIBA]
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