PRETORIA (South Africa) - Guinea could not have made a bolder statement than with their impressive performances in the last three qualifier games in Tripoli, Libya.
Before falling to reigning champions Tunisia 64-63 at the buzzer, Guinea stunned Angola 66-65. They closed their campaign in the Libyan capital with a 57-44 win over Kenya, finishing with a 2-1 record.
This was remarkable for a team that lost all three of their games in the first round of the qualifiers.
We need to show who we are and how Guinea plays basketball. - Ahmed Doumbia
Ahmed Doumbia, who sat out the first round, was one of the architects of Guinea's comeback. He proved pivotal in the do-or-die second round, averaging nine points and five assists in three games.
As Guinea prepares for the 2025 AfroBasket, which will take place in Angola from August 12th to 24th, Doumbia is embracing the challenge and responsibility.
Despite being drawn in Group C against hosts Angola, high-flying South Sudan and a revitalized Libya, Doumbia believes Guinea is ready to stand tall.
Talking to FIBA.basketball in Pretoria, where he featured for Rivers Hoopers in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs, Doumbia shed light on Guinea's aspirations at the upcoming AfroBasket.
He said: “It’s a really tough draw, but we’re ready for it. It’s another chance for us to show that Guinea belongs on the big stage. We’ve been building something for years, and now we’re moving forward step by step.”
Guinea has steadily improved in recent years, making incremental progress on the continental stage. Their qualification for the upcoming AfroBasket tournament is yet another step in that journey.
"Every year, we’re showing improvement. We’re qualifying again, and now it’s time to step up to a new level," the 35-year-old guard noted.
When asked what would constitute a successful tournament for the 11th-ranked African team, Doumbia said that the primary goal was not just about results, but also about establishing a true identity on the court.
"In the past, we’ve done well without really having a clear identity. Now, with a new coach in place, it’s time to change that. We need to show who we are and how Guinea plays basketball, just like teams such as South Sudan and Libya, who have a clear playing style."
Malick Kone, a former Guinean national team player, was recently appointed as the country's head coach, replacing Nedeljko Asceric. Kone previously served as Guinea's assistant coach at the 2021 AfroBasket tournament.
Speaking on talents that abound for the team, Doumbia, who regrets not making the 2021 AfroBasket in Rwanda where his country finished in 8th place, noted that Guinea has got the players that can make a difference.
"We’ve got great players," Ahmed added. "Guys competing at a high level all over Europe, some with NBA or NCAA experience. But as we bring in new faces, it’s important not to disrupt the chemistry. We need to make sure everyone adds value."
Indeed, while the individual talent is undeniable, the key to Guinea’s success will lie in blending those talents into a cohesive unit.
"On paper, we’ve got a team that can compete with anyone," Doumbia stated. "Now it's about proving it on the court."
As one of the team’s senior figures, Doumbia understands that AfroBasket 2025 could be a defining moment not just for Guinea, but for his generation of players.
“This is our time to say: This is Guinea basketball. This is who we are. We’re not just here to participate, but we’re here to compete,” Doumbia added.
With his proven track record at both club and international levels, and a clear vision for the future, Doumbia may be the leader Guinea needs to turn potential into history.
FIBA