Madagascar Rally Past Gabon to Claim First Victory

Madagascar produced a dramatic comeback in Group B, overturning a 12-point deficit to defeat Gabon 68-65 and secure its first victory of the competition. The Malagasy side looked destined to fall short for long stretches of the game, but a strong defensive response and a spectacular buzzer-beating three-pointer from Abdoul Yvan Hanaffi completed an extraordinary turnaround.

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The contest began with both teams trading baskets in a closely fought opening quarter. Madagascar managed to edge ahead 19-17 after the first 10 minutes, but Gabon gradually found its rhythm and put pressure on the Malagasy defense. The Gabonese side built a double-digit advantage by halftime, forcing Madagascar to chase the game. Rather than allowing the deficit to dictate the outcome, Madagascar responded with greater intensity after the break. The team became more aggressive defensively, while its offensive organization improved. Turnovers and defensive rebounds became increasingly important as Madagascar began to reduce Gabon’s advantage.

At the center of Madagascar’s comeback was point guard Harinosy Rasetriarivony. The floor general delivered an outstanding all-around performance, finishing with 25 points and 10 assists. His ability to control the tempo and create opportunities for his teammates proved crucial during the second half. On the opposite side, Gabon’s Daryll Georges Mbiguis carried much of the offensive responsibility. The guard led all scorers with 27 points, including an impressive five three-pointers from 10 attempts. He also had the difficult assignment of defending Rasetriarivony, forcing him to balance his defensive responsibilities with his scoring role.

Mbiguis remained influential at key moments, but his offensive impact diminished after halftime as Madagascar increased its defensive pressure. Gabon’s struggles with turnovers and defensive rebounding also allowed Madagascar to stay within striking distance. The final minutes turned the game into a tense battle. With neither side willing to give up, the possibility of overtime appeared increasingly likely. Then came the decisive moment.

With the clock running down and the score still in the balance, Abdoul Yvan Hanaffi rose for a three-point attempt at the buzzer. The shot found the net, triggering celebrations from the Malagasy bench and securing a stunning 68-65 victory. For Madagascar coach Tojo Hery Rasamoelina, the comeback reflected his team’s ability to respond to adversity. He highlighted the importance of becoming more aggressive defensively and organizing the offense around the ball, particularly against a Gabon side that relied heavily on a small number of key scorers.

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Gabon coach Ylaurich Bertrand Ondo Zogo, meanwhile, pointed to costly mistakes as the decisive factor. Defensive rebounding and turnovers allowed Madagascar to gain momentum when the game mattered most. Despite the disappointment, Ondo Zogo stressed that the tournament remains a long journey for his young team, with the objective of improving its position in the final standings.

For Madagascar, however, this was a victory to remember. After trailing by 12 points, the team showed resilience, composure and belief to complete the comeback. Hanaffi’s last-second three ensured that those qualities were rewarded with Madagascar’s first win of the competition.

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[Photos and Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]

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