Gabon U18 basketball team loses to Madagascar in AfroBasket U18 opener
Gabon's U18 basketball team, the Panthers, lost their opening match of the 24th AfroBasket U18 tournament to Madagascar on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Palais des Sports de Treichville. Despite leading by ten points at halftime, Gabon ultimately fell 68-65. The team, coached by Ondo Zogo, had a strong first half, displaying solid defense and effective offense, taking a 37-27 lead into the break. However, Madagascar, known as the Ankoay, came back aggressively in the second half, winning the third quarter 24-11 and disrupting Gabon's play, particularly that of Winel Bradon Bibang Bi Belinga. The game remained close until the final seconds when Harinosy A'Ranty Rasetriarivony, Madagascar's top scorer, secured the win with a three-pointer with just 0.8 seconds left. This defeat complicates Gabon's start in Group B. The Panthers are scheduled to play against Mali, the reigning U18 African champions, on Friday, August 7, at the Dôme du Palais des Sports de Treichville, a crucial match for their tournament ambitions.
