"VAN" (Sports Desk - 08.12.2025) :: Both men’s and women’s Madagascar teams took home the win at the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2025 on December 7.
It was a repeat scenario of last season, with Madagascar sweeping yet again on home turf. Both finals ended up being Madagascar taking on Egypt, both delivering spectacularly.
The men’s matchup went down to the wire, leaning almost the entire way in favor of Egypt. Scores stood at 19 - 16 down the stretch with advantage to Egypt, Madagascar on the brink of a loss. But in the clutch, Elly Randriamampionona and Livio Ratianarivo drilled huge two-pointers to tie the game up late at 20 apiece. Alpha Solondrainy was the one who called game with a ferocious drive, sealing the 21 - 20 win for Madagascar in blockbuster fashion.
On the women’s side, the Final proved to be just as thrilling. A back-and-forth battle, hotly contested all the way to the end ended up falling the way of the home side. They grabbed crucial rebounds down the stretch and made timely buckets in tandem. Sydonie Andriamihajanirina and Minaharisoa Jaofera put up 6 each to lead the way for an incredible 17 - 16 victory for the win.
In the third-place games, the men from Rwanda came through for the win. Chandelier Twizeyimana Cyiza Nshuti led his side in scoring with 8 while Olivier Turatsinze was the one to drill the final bucket to lead them to an elusive place on the podium with a 21 - 13 victory over Algeria.
On the women’s side, Kenya would take the honors in a 14 - 11 win over Rwanda. Christine Akinyi put up a team-high 7 points as they grinded out a crucial win for a podium spot.
The star of the tournament on the men’s side was the undeniable Elly Randriamampionona. He answered the call every time Madagascar needed a bucket. He came in clutch in the final, his whopping 11 points paving the way for a historical win once again on home turf. He finished with a tournament-high 45 points and a player-value score of 54.2. He would earn MVP plaudits and would lead the Team of the Tournament alongside Egypt’s Youssef Refaat and Rwanda’s Justin Uwitonze who were key to their sides earning places on the podium.
On the women’s side, Madagascar’s Minaharisoa Jaofera was the leading star on their trophy-winning run. Her tournament-high 45 points and player-value score of 41.0 showcased her impact in their winning run. She took home MVP honors and a spot in the women’s Team of the Tournament alongside Egypt’s Alia Khaled and Kenya’s Christine Akinyi who led the way for their sides earning podium places in Antananarivo.
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