ABIDJAN (Côte d'Ivoire) - Not only did Senegal advance to the semifinals of the 2025 Women's AfroBasket, they also secured a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments after defeating hosts Côte d'Ivoire 66-60 in an exciting game at the packed Palais des Sports Treichville. Keen to end a decade-long wait for the continental trophy after losing three of the last four finals to Nigeria, Senegal came from behind to silence the thousands of fans who packed the arena and were cheered on by a small section of supporters.
The Ivorians were looking to join the last seven hosts who reached the Last Four while enjoying home court advantage, as was the case in 2023 (Rwanda), 2021 (Cameroon), 2019 (Senegal), 2017 (Mali), 2015 (Cameroon), 2013 (Mozambique), and 2011 (Mali). However, that was not meant to be.
From the tip-off, the Ivorians dominated, dictating the action on both ends. They picked up eight defensive rebounds and none on the offensive end, scoring 17 points and restricting Senegal to 11 points. Five of Senegal's points came in the last minute after four missed chances.
Senegal played better defense in the second half, overcoming a 13-point deficit (26-13) to narrow the gap to six points (33-27) with slightly over two minutes remaining in the half. The period ended with the hosts leading 36-27 after making free throws.
TURNING POINT: The record champions went on a 15-6 run in the third, tying the score at 42 with a Fatou Pouye layup off a Cierra Dillard assist on a fast break.
The tide changed in the final stanza when Dillard gave Senegal their first lead of the game at 44-43. Ameryst Alston briefly restored the hosts' advantage, but Lena Timera's three-pointer gave the reigning silver medalists their biggest lead yet for a 47-45 score. Now, it was Côte d'Ivoire chasing the match.
After leading by as many as five (55-50), Senegal allowed the hosts to go on a 7-0 run and take the lead again, 57-55. Senegal responded with a similar run to take a 62-57 lead with two minutes and thirty seconds left, and they never looked back, going on to win by six. HERO: Skipper Yacine Diop's five rebounds in crucial moments of the third quarter fueled the Senegalese comeback. She finished with eight rebounds and 13 points, the second-highest tally for the team. Dillard led the team in scoring and proved unplayable for the hosts tonight.
The duo combined for eight of their team's 12 assists. Dillard added three steals, and both finished with a game-high 18 in efficiency rating. This was impressive, considering Diop played most of the last quarter with four fouls.
STATS DON'T LIE: The two sides were closely matched tactically. Credit goes to the Senegalese bench, which outscored the hosts 22-3 after starters Ndioma Kane and Madjiguene Sene struggled to find their rhythm.
BOTTOM LINE: The hosts will hope to finish fifth as they head to the classification games, a feat they last achieved in 2017.
Senegal, who were on the verge of missing the semis for the very first time in their 26 appearances, will be motivated as they face the winner between Cameroon and Nigeria. WHAT THEY SAID: “We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we fought until the end. It was a very competitive game. They gave us a hard time inside. Before the game, we told each other to fight no matter the circumstances, and that's what we did. We are happy that we won.” - Senegal guard Yacine Diop.
“First, I would like to congratulate Senegal. They played an amazing game and never gave up. I'm at a loss for words, but I'm proud of how my team started and finished. Although we didn’t win, I am grateful that the nation came out to support us. Senegal was more aggressive than us in the second half. We turned the ball over too much, and I take responsibility for that. Their intensity bothered us as well. At some point, I think they wanted it a little more than we did. We tried to give it our all, but we ran out of time. To our supporters: I am sorry we disappointed you, but there is a bright future. We just have to keep our heads up and continue to fight” - Cote d’Ivoire Molly Kaiser. FIBA