Who takes the bragging rights as Group D's window one concludes?
Two teams are chasing an unbeaten run in the opening window of Group D at the ongoing 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers while the other two are on a redemption path, having gone winless so far.
CAIRO (Egypt) - Two teams are chasing an unbeaten run in the opening window of Group D at the ongoing 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers while the other two are on a redemption path, having gone winless so far.
This dynamic sets the stage for what could be the group's most competitive matches so far as hosts Egypt take on AfroBasket reigning silver medalist Cote d’Ivoire while Central Africa Republic (CAF) chases victory against Madagascar who are out to cause an upset.
Coach John Douaglin's Cote d’Ivoire have a point to prove, being the silver medalists from the 2021 edition of the continental competition, but they face an Egyptian side that is ranked 31 worldwide, two places above the Ivorians.
On top of their home-court advantage the hosts have displayed high levels of team chemistry in the opening two wins.
While coach Henrik Rödl has incorporated some young blood with the inclusion of the likes of teenage sensation Karim Elgizawy, more than half of his squad come with massive experience playing at the highest levels including a decent display at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
"We have to be present and fight for 40 minute, stop Cote d'Ivoire who are a good side with talented players. It will be a tough encounter, but with the same team chemistry that has been on display so far, we have what ot takes to win," Egypt skipper Haytham Khalifa offered ahead of the match.
The script, however, is not very different for the Ivorians, having played in the World Cup as well and retaining a majority of the squad that did duty in the global competition as well as the 2021 AfroBasket in Kigali.
Both tactician, Douaglin and Rödl have admitted that this will be a tough match-up but, as if reading from the same script, exuded confidence in going the distance to remain unbeaten.
"We did not have a good start to the competition, struggling in our opening match but we corrected that for a more convincing win against CAF. We face our toughest test against Egypt and we have to show up for a win," guard Assemian Moulare said post match.
Meanwhile, the race for a first victory between CAF and the Malagasy side pits the three-point shooting prowess of the latter against the experience of the Max Kouguere-captained CAF who finished 13th in Kigali in 2021.
While Madagascar's tun in the last editions qualifiers ended in a 0-6 heartbreak, coach Alphonse Ravonimbola is hoping yo turn the side's fortunes around against the experienced Lautie Sylvain who is chasing glory with CAF.
FIBA