Madagascar's Opening Gambit

The whole country was waiting for this moment, Madagascar’s first game.

We have been preparing for a long time and we believe in our chances, admitted Malagasy coach Aimé Marcel.

They prepared to take Benin out in a crowded arena and it didn’t take long.A 13 - 0 run in the first five minutes was enough to make them think that victory was in the air.

Regaining some control in the second they only trailed by five at one point but with no three’s dropping and mounting turnovers, they left the court with a 49 - 19 deficit at the break.

Playing inside was the only way to get back into the game as Madagsar’s defence took away any clear three-point or deep two opportunities, they had to drive and hope for the foul call.

A better result with a 42% success rate but the fact remained that the Malagasy led by Mathias M'Madi are unstoppable and their fans made it hard for Benin to recover. Madagascar took the third 28 - 8.

At this point, the crowd want 100 on the score sheet so the team do their best to hit the target.

Jerry Pepin Rabibisoa (10 points and 10 Rebounds), Landric Donovan Rakotonanahary (13 points), Rino Randimbiarivelo (17 points) and Mathias M'Madi (26 points) all make it rain.

Every player puts points on the board but just as it looks like time is running out, M’Madi makes a layup with eight seconds to spare.The crowd goes wild and the players are beside themselves.

Their first game and their first win in spectacular fashion.

Final score Madagascar 102 - Benin 41

Their next game is on Sunday the 7th when they will face Algeria and Benin will play Senegal.

[Image/Photography Credit: FIBA]