KIGALI (Rwanda) - Egypt are the new queens of African youth basketball.
In a tournament where focus and resilience were required at every stage, the Pharaohs rose to the occasion and claimed their first ever FIBA U16 Women’s AfroBasket title, overcoming Côte d’Ivoire 66–54 in Sunday’s final.
Having dispatched Cameroon in the semi-finals, Egypt entered the championship game brimming with confidence.
However, they were met by a determined Côte d'Ivoire side, eager to challenge them.
While Côte d’Ivoire matched their rivals blow for blow at times, Egypt’s defensive structure and timely scoring ultimately proved decisive.
TURNING POINT: The defining sequence of the game came immediately after half-time.
Côte d'Ivoire had fought back from an early deficit to level the score at 29–29, fuelling belief that they could cause an upset.
However, Egypt emerged from the locker room with renewed intensity, putting together a decisive 24–8 run in the third quarter that sealed their victory.
Jane Mary Diomande attempted to rally the Ivorians from the free-throw line, but Egypt’s response was relentless.
Joudi Elsayed dominated during this period, scoring 10 of her 15 total points in the second half.
Her energy and efficiency shifted the momentum firmly in Egypt’s favour, ensuring Côte d'Ivoire's late push in the final frame would fall short.
Earlier, both teams had tested each other in a cagey opening. Egypt edged ahead 10–9 midway through the first quarter before finishing strongly to lead 22–13.
Côte d’Ivoire fought back admirably, but once the storm in the third quarter hit, there was no turning back. Despite winning the last period 17-13, the damage was already done.
HEROES: This championship was built on collective effort, but certain players stood out from the crowd when it mattered most.
Elsayed earned the title of top player with 15 points and 7 rebounds, demonstrating her versatility by shooting 3-for-5 inside the arc and 3-for-7 from deep.
Playmaking also played a central role in Egypt’s triumph. Fatma Abdalla, Leila Eissa and Elsayed combined for 12 of the team’s 15 assists, demonstrating their excellent ball movement and selflessness.
STATS DON’T LIE: The numbers told the story of Egypt’s superiority. Côte d’Ivoire’s 28 turnovers were mercilessly punished, with Egypt turning them into 26 points.
The champions also asserted their dominance in the paint, scoring 30 points and controlling the boards at crucial moments.
By contrast, Côte d’Ivoire struggled with their shooting touch. They only converted 15 of their 56 field goal attempts, and went 3-for-14 from beyond the arc, leaving many opportunities unutilised.
Against such a disciplined Egyptian team, these missed chances were always likely to be costly.
Although the Ivorians' bench contributed 35 points compared to Egypt’s 33, this advantage never translated into control of the scoreboard. Efficiency and composure were the real difference-makers.
BOTTOM LINE: Egypt’s victory was the result of experience, preparation and composure. Their ability to remain composed under pressure and respond swiftly to Côte d’Ivoire’s attacks confirmed their status as championship contenders.
For Côte d’Ivoire, this was a valuable learning experience in their first Women’s U16 AfroBasket Final, and one that will stand them in good stead for the future.
By winning this historic title, Egypt have written a new chapter in African youth basketball. They claimed the trophy and secured their place alongside Côte d’Ivoire at the FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup 2026.
For the Pharaohs, this marks the start of a promising and ambitious new era on the continental stage.
WHAT THEY SAID : “Even if we lose the game, we’re proud of what we achieved. We’re going to the World Cup next year, and we’re even prouder of that. We had a training camp together and the more time we spent together, the more connected we became. We’ve learned that anything can happen and that if we want to win, we can win. This trophy is for everyone who supported us along the way.” Jane Mary Diomande, Côte d’Ivoire forward.
FIBA