• BASKETBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 months ago

Kenyan women celebrate third place finish as Madagascar sweep FIBA 3x3 Africa titles

Team Kenya’s women’s basketball team produced a spirited performance to claim bronze at the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2025 capping off a strong continental campaign as hosts Madagascar swept both the men’s and women’s titles.

‎‎Kenya edged Rwanda 14–11 in the third-place playoff, with Christine Akinyi delivering a standout display after scoring seven points to lead the team to the podium in Antananarivo on Sunday. The victory sealed Kenya’s place among Africa’s top three women’s 3x3 basketball nations.

‎‎Madagascar completed a historic home double after defeating Egypt in both finals. The men’s final went down to the wire as Madagascar snatched a dramatic 21–20 win, thanks to clutch two-pointers from Elly Randriamampionona and Livio Ratianarivo, before  Alpha Solondrainy finished the job with a decisive drive.

On the women’s side, the hosts also survived a tense battle against Egypt to win 17–16, with Minaoharisoa Jaofera and Sydonie Andriamihajanirina contributing six points each in a thrilling contest.

‎‎Despite missing out on the final, Team Kenya left a lasting mark on the tournament, their bronze finish placed them third overall in the women’s standings, behind only Madagascar and Egypt, ahead of Rwanda, Tunisia and Comoros.

‎‎Kenya’s Christine Akinyi was further rewarded for her consistency after earning a prestigious spot in the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup Women’s Team of the Tournament, alongside MVP Minaoharisoa Jaofera of Madagascar and Egypt’s Alia Khaled a clear sign of Kenya’s rising profile on the African basketball stage.

‎‎In the men’s competition, Rwanda finished third after beating Algeria 21–13, while Madagascar’s Randriamampionona was named MVP after racking up a tournament-high 45 points to headline the Men’s Team of the Tournament.

‎‎Team Kenya’s men finished seventh overall in a tough field dominated by Madagascar, Egypt and Rwanda.

‎‎The 2025 championship once again confirmed Madagascar’s dominance in continental 3x3 basketball, but Kenya’s bronze finish and individual honors underline the country’s growing strength in the fast-paced format of the game.