LUANDA (Angola) - The Angolan cities of Luanda and Namibe will be the epicenters of basketball in Africa. For two weeks, basketball fans will enjoy thrilling action at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket tournament, which will take place from August 12th to 24th.
The group phase will feature 24 games, each with its own level of relevance. In the end, however, every game will matter in the race for a place in the quarterfinals.
Before the group stages begin, FIBA.Basketball previews the most anticipated games of the tournament.
Mali vs. Egypt (Tuesday, August 12, Luanda):
Over the last decade, Mali and Egypt - two countries with reputable youth programs - have only met twice.
During the 2015 AfroBasket tournament, Egypt beat Mali twice. First, the Pharaohs won 55–49 in the Group Phase, and then they won again in the Classification Round for fifth to eighth place with a score of 74–51. When the two nations face off in their opening game of the 2025 AfroBasket tournament, they could potentially be evenly matched.
Tunisia vs. Cameroon (Wednesday, August 13, Luanda):
These two teams are experiencing different situations as they prepare for the 2025 African Championship. Cameroon has shown tremendous progress recently, while reigning champions Tunisia are seeking to establish a new identity after Makram Ben Romdhane, the last AfroBasket MVP, retired from the national team.
In their most recent encounter, Cameroon emerged victorious with an 83-70 win over Tunisia in the 2023 FIBA Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Lagos, Nigeria. Cameroon eventually secured the only ticket offered to African teams for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where they stunned Brazil with a score of 77–74.
DR Congo vs Cape Verde (Wednesday, August 13, Namibe):
On August 26, 2021, DR Congo defeated Cape Verde 70-66 in Kigali, Rwanda. That was the first and last time that the two nations faced off at AfroBasket. The experience of Cape Verde is vital, but against the youthful exuberance of the Congo team, it's hard to see the islanders overcoming DR Congo. Edy Tavares, the backboard destroyer and a pivotal element for Cape Verde, and Jordan Sakho, who have faced off countless times in Spain's top-flight ACB league, could provide an unmissable matchup.
Egypt vs. Senegal (Thursday, August 14, Luanda):
Battles between Egypt and Senegal tend to be dominated by one side or the other. However, their head-to-head battle is close, with the Pharaohs leading 4-3. The North Africans have the edge, having won by a significant margin in a 2023 FIBA World Cup Basketball Qualifier.
Nigeria vs. Tunisia (Friday, August 15, Luanda):
Nigeria's D'Tigers have dominated Tunisia 4-2 in past battles. This time around, the veteran team of Tunisia, who have a much better team chemistry, could hold the advantage over a Nigerian team that lacks consistency in team selection.
Côte d'Ivoire vs. Cape Verde (Friday, August 15, Namibe):
Côte d'Ivoire and Cape Verde will cross swords for the second time in AfroBasket. It's been ten years since the Ivorians and the Islanders last met in the tournament, and Cape Verde held on to that winning record. They also led the head-to-head battle 2-1.
Senegal vs. Mali (Saturday, August 16, Luanda):
Senegal should fancy themselves in the West African derby against Mali. The Lions of Teranga have gotten the better of Mali, and they will look to extend their 11-5 record over the Eagles.
Angola vs. South Sudan (Saturday, August 16, Namibe):
This is a matchup between the number one team in Africa and the hosts of the 2025 AfroBasket. Will South Sudan dominate again, or will this be a battle to remember? South Sudan dominated Angola in their only previous meeting at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. On home soil at the AfroBasket, Angolans will expect their Palancas Negras to avenge that loss. Fans will want to see this game as a stepping stone to reclaiming the title.
Nigeria vs. Cameroon ( Sunday, August 17, Luanda):
It will be a battle of the big cats when the D'Tigers and the Indomitable Lions stare each other down and grapple to see which country, between Nigeria and Cameroon, will reign supreme. Nigeria won their last AfroBasket fixture in 2017, and have a 2-1 record against Cameroon.
Côte d'Ivoire vs. DR Congo (Sunday, August 17, Namibe):
The Congo DR have a slim winning record against the Ivorians, having beaten them in the 2017 AfroBasket. The new look Congolese team will look to test itself against the Elephants.
FIBA