Your Weekly Dose of FIBA Africa Zone 7 News: This week's highlights span from Comoros to Lyon, France, for some 3x3 action. Next, we journey to Madagascar for the Ankoay's 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifier final preparations. The tour concludes in Catalonia, Spain, where Seychellois youngsters gear up for a prominent stage.
Last Updated on
January 23, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
The Comoros women's 3x3 basketball team finished the Lyon International Tournament in fifth place, a commendable performance in the eyes of observers and followers. Despite being knocked out in the quarter-finals by France team, the Comoros showed unfailing determination.
Up against a formidable Moroccan side that had already beaten them in the group stage, Karim Osman's team was determined to exact their revenge.
They didn't let the opportunity slip by, claiming a significant victory over Morocco with a score of 21-19, a result that saw them finish fifth in the tournament, a position that testifies to their talent and commitment.
The players demonstrated their ability to compete at international level, pointing to promising performances in future competitions.
This competition is of crucial importance in the preparations for upcoming challenges, notably the All Africa Games in Accra and the Nation League. The players demonstrated their ability to compete at international level, pointing to promising performances in future competitions.
In light of their opponents' forfeit in the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Pre-Qualifiers, Madagascar opted to play additional games to maintain their competitive edge and foster team cohesion. Consequently, they organised two friendly matches against a "World" team.
They aced their initial challenges with ease, securing an impressive 84-45 victory in the opening game on Thursday. They clinched an even more convincing win at 118-74 in the second game on Friday.
They are set to travel to Cairo for matchups against hosts Egypt, Central African Republic, and Cote d’Ivoire.
Ranking among the top countries has seen Madagascar 3x3 squad make it to the Paris 2024 OQT. In a bid to feature among the world’s best nations and make it to the Paris Olympics, the Malagasy players will head to Debrecen, in Hungary, in May (16-19) where they will face a strong European opposition.
What an opposition it will be, with Lithuania, Switzerland and Germany. Africa’s other representative, Egypt, will face France, Latvia and Canada.
Two emerging female players from Seychelles, Edith and Chloe Boniface, aged 14 and 12 respectively, are gradually establishing themselves in Spain. Daughters of the renowned Jean-Paul Boniface, one of Seychelles' standout ballers, the sisters have been part of Club Joventut Badalona since their early years, showcasing their talent and dedication to the game.
Now that they are growing and showing signs of progress, they are attracting eyes on them. According to their father, they could join Seychelles squad in the next Indian Ocean Island Games, should they receive the call-up.
Speaking to Seychelles Nation, a local media, Jean-Paul Boniface added that Edith who plies her trade in the U16s national league was a Catalan champion while in the U14 category, and has led her team in scoring. As for Chloe, who currently plays in the 14s national league, she had won a 3x3 Catalonian title, and boasts as a runner-up of 5x5 for the U12s.
