ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) - The Indian Ocean Island country of Madagascar has become a hub of basketball in Africa in recent years, but nothing can be compared do what the islanders achieved on August 12, 2022.

It was simply an unforgettable moment for Madagascar basketball.

To put things into context, imagine a youth tournament - FIBA U18 African Championship is one of the most exciting and sought-after in African basketball - with the participation of former champions Angola, Egypt, Mali, and Senegal, Mali.

Now think about a team that had never finished above the fifth place in the history of the competition. That's where we get to the point of this article.

Madagascar made more noise than any top-ranked team on the continent. They not only upset Mali - one the high-flying teams in Africa when it comes to youth basketball, but they also made history by qualifying for the 2023 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.

What happened in Antananarivo on Friday, August 12, 2022, is one of the reasons why Madagascar had a year to remember because they beat Mali, a win that ensured them a place in the World Cup. 

That Madagascar Semi-Final win over Mali be cherished for years to come.

Madagascar finished second in the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship thanks to a 4-2 record.

And, Madagascar's remarkable historic moment can't not be told without a mention to Mathias M'madi.

The 17-year-old guard - born on June 2, 2005 - became Madagascar's hero for everything he left on the floor. 

From playing aggressively on the defensive end to igniting his country offensively, the 1.94m (6ft 4in) guard turned out to be Madagascar's most impactful player. And his numbers (20.5 points and 5 assists per game) spoke for themselves. 

Mathias M'madi

By the end of the Semi-Finals, there were little doubts about who the Most Valuable Player of the tournament would be. 

"I found that during my championship I was consistent in my performances, and I always tried to give my very best and give me all the effort to help my team," M'madi told FIBA.basketball.

Madagascar will be joined by Egypt as Africa's two representatives at next year's FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.

And, M'madi who currently plays for Elan Chalon (U21 team) in France's PRO B, acknowledges that "The main factors that led to success during this tournament were the desire of the team, the determination that we put in to get there and, [of course] the enormous support of the country as a whole."

"Our fans' support was huge for us. Just the fact of witnessing their enthusiasm and joy at each match, gave us an inexplicable strength which pushed us to make our country proud," M'madi recalled.  

Asked about the importance of living such experience, M'madi stated that "Wearing the colors of my country was one of the things that inspired me the most, because it allowed me to live my passion through a new experience. Seeing the evolution of our team throughout this journey, and the support of the supporters from the beginning to the end. This therefore pushed me to want to mark the history of my country."

Following the latest FIBA World Rankings update on December 15, 2022, Madagascar sit at No.4 on the continent of Africa and No. 35 in the World, well above the likes of former African champions Angola (No. 8), and Nigeria (No.5).  

For M'madi, Madagascar were never favorites in the last U18 African Championship, but they grew in confidence gradually.  "We pushed ourselves work hard and improved our mental and physical strength to be ready to face those bigger teams.

"Our first victory determined the level of our team, giving us confidence for the rest of the championship which therefore allowed us to chain victories."

It came as a no surprise that weeks later M'madi would be named the Most Improved Player at the 2022 Basketball Without Borders Africa held in Cairo.  

Looking back at Madagascar's run in 2022, M'madi reminds that "It's always a great pride moment for the country. Before the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship our expectations were not necessarily to get there, but just to do better than in previous years. When we saw that we had the means and the capacities to take this team very far, we were determined to achieve this new objective of qualifying to the  World Cup.

"It means a lot to me to have helped my country qualified for the World Cup, because I will have the opportunity to represent my country for a second time, which is still a great opportunity."

The last 12 months can been described as the year that a minnow became a giant in African basketball, and it wasn't just because of the home-court advantage factor, it was simply one of the most inspiring experiences for Malagasy sports.

FIBA