Tunisia grab crucial win and send Madagascar home

From the opening tip, there was a sharper edge to Tunisia’s play. With playoff hopes on the line, the team brought a sense of urgency that had been missing in previous outings. Every possession was contested, every loose ball fought for, as if they were determined to remind everyone why they are reigning champions.

Shooting guard Jawhar Jawadi reflected afterward: "I think we woke up. We showed our Tunisian pride after two horrible games, especially in defense."

The spark came from Oussama Marnaoui, who lit up the court with 33 points in a devastating display. His perimeter shooting was flawless, connecting on six of nine three-point attempts, while inside the arc he scored six of eight. Whenever Madagascar threatened to close the gap, Marnaoui answered with poise and accuracy, each shot draining belief from the opposition. His presence defined the rhythm of Tunisia’s offense, a constant reminder of their pedigree.

Supporting him was Omar Abada, who combined leadership with scoring touch. He tallied 22 points and handed out five assists, setting the early tone with a mix of drives, floaters, and a clean outside jumper. His ability to adapt under pressure, finding teammates when defenders collapsed, ensured Tunisia always had options.

Team captain Achref Gannouni added 11 points, stepping up in stretches where composure mattered most. Bench production was also crucial, with 50 points coming from the reserves, underlining the depth that separated Tunisia from their opponents.

Jawadi captured that hunger when he added: "This team is not so young, but we're very hungry. We're going to show them. We're going to play a very good team (Cape Verde)."

For Madagascar, the story was one of effort but also fatigue. Elly Randriamampionona’s 17 points kept them alive during the first half, while Sitraka Raharimanantoanina battled tirelessly for a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. His work on the boards offered glimpses of defiance, yet the challenge of sustaining energy against a deeper roster proved too much. Head coach John Douaglin admitted the toll of the schedule.

"We are a little tired, with big matches 48 hours ago. Tunisia had a good energy. We didn't have a good situation for shooting, we had a problem in defense."

The turning point arrived late in the third quarter, when Tunisia led by just two points. A decisive six-point sequence, orchestrated by Marnaoui and Abada, widened the margin and gave the champions breathing room heading into the fourth. From there, they never looked back. A subsequent nine-point run in the final quarter, capped by contributions from Jawadi and Methnani, extended the lead to 13 and crushed any hope of a Malagasy comeback.

Douaglin remained reflective, even in defeat.

"It's a match we need to forget. Two very good matches with big intensity. Today was more difficult."

His message quickly turned toward the horizon.

"The future is bright. We were here to show that Madagascar will be here in the future. But we must work, and we'll come back."

Statistical dominance told the same story. Tunisia scored 38 points in the paint, 16 on second chances, 15 from turnovers, and 12 in transition. Their balanced approach overwhelmed Madagascar, who struggled to generate efficient looks as legs grew heavy. Each passing minute highlighted the gulf between a seasoned champion rediscovering its form and a youthful team still learning how to compete at this level.

The win was more than a ticket to the playoffs—it was a statement of intent. After earlier defeats to Cameroon and Nigeria, doubts had surrounded Tunisia’s ability to defend their crown. Against Madagascar, however, they rediscovered intensity, depth, and clinical finishing.

The players carried themselves with renewed confidence, suggesting that the Carthage Eagles remain dangerous opponents for any side in the knockout rounds.

As Jawadi reminded, "Tunisian identity is fighting for every ball. We don't lose without pride. Even if we lose, everybody will see something that they're not used to see."

For Madagascar, the campaign closed at 0-3, but with a promise of growth. Their flashes of resilience, led by Randriamampionona and Raharimanantoanina, revealed potential that could mature with experience and preparation. As Douaglin put it, their three matches against top opposition will serve as fuel for improvement.

By the final buzzer, the contrast was unmistakable. Tunisia had risen from the shadows of doubt, reclaiming their edge at the crucial moment. Madagascar, meanwhile, exit with pride intact but aware of the distance they still must travel. What remains certain is that Tunisia, buoyed by their 81-60 revival, will march into the playoffs with fire in their stride and their identity once again firmly in place.^‍

[Photography/Imagery : Courtesy of FIBA]