The 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Africa Qualifiers delivered a historic night of scoring when Côte d'Ivoire faced Madagascar in a clash that would rewrite the tournament's record books. The final tally of 220 combined points not only eclipsed previous marks but also underscored the offensive firepower on display.
Côte d'Ivoire finished the group stage with a 5‑1 record, showcasing consistency and depth, while Madagascar ended the campaign winless at 0‑6. Early three‑point accuracy gave the Ivorians a sizeable advantage, and a 12‑0 run in the second quarter extended their lead.
Key Performances
Assemien Moulare emerged as the game's leading scorer, converting five of seven three‑point attempts and adding 10 points in the opening quarter. Jean Philippe Dally contributed 19 points, perfect on four three‑point shots, while Mathias M'Madi's timely three‑pointer helped spark the decisive run. Kiady Razamahenina's composure at the free‑throw line and Kevin Yebo's four points further stretched Côte d'Ivoire's lead.
Madagascar refused to fold, outscoring their opponents 31‑26 in the second quarter and narrowing the deficit to four points in the fourth, only to fall short by 16. Sitraka Raharimanantoanina finished with 23 points and expressed pride in his team's effort despite the loss.
The match highlighted the competitive spirit of both squads and set a new benchmark for scoring in the qualifiers, a milestone that will be remembered as the tournament moves toward its next phase.