MALABO (Equatorial Guinea) - Chad secured their place in the final round of the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket tournament by defeating Gabon 85–58 in the final, which took place at the Polideportivo de Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.
Having edged Gabon 84-81 in the preliminary round, Chad left no room for doubt in the final, taking control from the outset and dominating three of the four quarters.
They opened with a 24-12 first-quarter lead, extending it further with 22-17 and 22-11 runs in the second and third periods. Gabon won the final quarter 18-17, but the outcome had long been decided.
Ngaba Yaya delivered a dominant performance for Chad, achieving a game-high efficiency rating of 49. The forward recorded a double-double of 27 points and 28 rebounds, as well as blocking one shot.
Mahamat Ousmane and Junior Djibrine also played key roles in the victory, contributing 24 and 16 points respectively.
Ray Darel Biyamba led Gabon's scoring with 19 points, but received little support as Chad dominated both ends of the court.
This victory sees Chad progress to the final round, where coach Alain Asnal's team will look to build on their impressive performance in Malabo.
To reach the final, Chad dispatched Congo 52–46, while Gabon defeated the Central African Republic 71–64.
Congo claimed third place with an 83–62 win over the Central African Republic. Roland Goma led the Congolese with 21 points and 4 rebounds.
FIBA