Rwanda’s men’s team secured second place at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2024, finishing behind hosts Madagascar. Olivier Turatsinze earned a spot on the Team of the Tournament, while the women’s team finished fifth.
Rwanda’s perfect run at this year’s continental tournament in Antananarivo was ended by Madagascar, who dominated the final with a 22-3 victory
During the three-day event, which began on Friday, November 29, Rwanda impressed with a perfect record in their first five games, defeating every opponent in their path.
Moise Mutokambali’s coached team overcame the Central African Republic, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria, and Benin, defeating all of them in under 10 minutes of playing time, to set up a final against Madagascar.
However, in the final, the team, consisting of Olivier Turatsinze, Justin Uwitonze, Chandelier Cyiza Twizerimana, and Patrick Ngabonziza, was outclassed by Madagascar, who had the Palais des Sports de Mahamasina crowd behind them.
In just 5 minutes and 30 seconds, Madagascar sealed the game, handing Rwanda a heavy 22-3 defeat and securing their second gold medal in the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup, following their first in 2022.
Madagascar’s Livio Ratianarivo led the scoring chart with 53 points, earning him the MVP accolade. Alongside Ratianarivo and Algeria’s Chakib Sedoud, Olivier Turatsinze was named to the Team of the Tournament.
Turatsinze had an outstanding performance, finishing as the third-highest scorer in the tournament with 49 points (8.2 PPG) and topping the free-throw chart.
Madagascar defended their home turf, winning the women’s competition as well by defeating Egypt in the final. Madagascar’s Christiane Jaofera was named MVP, joining Egypt’s Habiba Mohamed and Kenya’s Christine Akinyi in the tournament’s Best 3.
Rwanda’s women’s team finished fifth with one win in three games. They defeated Comoros but lost to Kenya and Benin.
The FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2024 was the 6th edition of the tournament, and Rwanda participated for the second time. Rwanda’s first appearance was in 2022 in Egypt, where they claimed a bronze medal in the men’s category.
