LUANDA (Angola) - Angola beat Cameroon 74-73, qualifying for the FIBA AfroBasket Final for the first time since 2015.
When it seemed all but over, Angola made a comeback to secure their fifth consecutive victory in the 2025 AfroBasket.
It was Cameroon's second loss in six games.
Selton Miguel led all players in scoring, finishing with 17 points off the bench.
Yves Missi set a new AfroBasket record for the most blocked shots in a game after swatting seven of Angola's shots. However, turning the ball over later in the fourth quarter didn't help Cameroon's cause.
Angola will take on Mali in Sunday's final, while Cameroon will play Senegal in the third-place game.
TURNING POINT: With one minute left on the shot clock and Cameroon leading by two (71-69), Aboubacar Gakou stole the ball from Williams Narace. He then found Childe Dundao wide open, and Dundao hit the game- changing three-pointer.
The hosts were leading for the first time since the first half when Miguel converted one of his two free throws, extending their advantage to 73-71.
Yves Missi then tied the contest at 73-73 by converting two free throws of his own. Gakou established the final score by converting one of his three free throws.
HERO: Angola's tenacity and team effort was pivotal in the win. They trailed for most of the game, but feeling the game slipping away of their controlled they adjusted defensively, forced Cameroon to turn the ball over in critical moments of the game, and hard-fought win came next.
Childe Dundao and Bruno Fernando, two U18 AfroBasket champions, rescued Angola from what appeared to be Angola's first loss in the tournament.
Dundao and Fernando combined for 26 points for Angola, carrying the team on both ends of the floor.
STATS DON'T LIE: Cameroon shot themselves in the foot by turning the ball over five times in the final quarter, giving Angola a chance to win.
The difference between the two teams was evident in how their benches impacted the game, with Angola's outscoring Cameroon's 34–21. Samir Gbetkom scored 13 points off the bench for Cameroon.
BOTTOM LINE: Over the years, the Cameroon vs. Angola matchup has become a classic of African basketball, with both teams putting on thrilling performances.
Of their previous four meetings, only one had a winning margin of more than ten points (2007 AfroBasket Final), and Saturday's matchup entered the history books as one to remember due to the uncertainty that lasted until the very end.
Cameroon dominated most of the game. At times, it seemed as if they had the game in the bag. However, Angola made sure to protect their home court, even without playing their best game.
WHAT THEY SAID: "I feel blessed there has been a lot ups and downs and back to back games. We have a team filled with competitors. On any night, they can beat any team. I guess tonight was my night. We are at home and we have to do it for the people. It’s not about us. It’s for the people." - Angolan shooting guard Selton Miguel.
FIBA