ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - In the fourth window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, the remaining twelve teams each played three games.
However, only one team finished undefeated, one of the favourites performed below expectations, and struggling teams made a comeback.
These results significantly shook up this Power Rankings presented by SMART, leaving the race to Qatar 2027 wide open for African teams.
Below are our conclusions regarding Volume 8 of the African Qualifiers:
12. DR Congo ↔️
Window 4 Record: 1-2 Overall Record: 3-6
If the Leopards had competed more strongly in the first two games of Window 4 of the African Qualifiers, in which they lost by 32 and 25 points respectively, they would be in a much stronger position in the race to Qatar 2027. This is especially true after their stunning 77-75 victory over Egypt in Dakar on the last day.
11. Cape Verde ↔️
Window 4 Record: 0-3 Overall Record: 3-6
The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde seemed to have lost their momentum as their three games progressed. They led Tunisia for most of the first half, but then lost their momentum in the second, ultimately losing 60-56.
The islanders tried to bounce back the following day against Guinea, but their spark was short-lived and they suffered their second straight loss (81–61).
When Nigeria's D'Tigers presented themselves on the last day, it turned into a one-sided affair, with Nigeria winning the game by 16 points (100–84) and at one point leading by 27 points.
10. Egypt ⬇️1️⃣
Window 4 Record: 1-2 Overall Record: 4-5
Egypt's campaign in Dakar could be described as a rollercoaster ride. After stunning hosts Senegal 76–67 on the opening night, the Pharaohs suffered a stunning 77–75 defeat at the hands of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the final day.
They pushed Côte d'Ivoire to their limits but eventually fell short (72–66).
Egypt coach Agusti Julbe called it "inconsistency that needs to be reviewed".
9. Tunisia ⬇️2️⃣
Window 4 Record: 1-2 Overall Record: 5-4
The three-time African champions got off to a good start in the tournament, but ended up disappointed.
The Tunisians were playing in front of their home fans for the second time in the current campaign and were expected to win at least two games. However, they lost two of their three games, falling to Cameroon (83-61) and South Sudan (79-75).
8. Nigeria ⬇️5️⃣
Window 4 Record: 1-2 Overall Record: 5-4
It remains to be seen whether Nigeria's continuous squad changes have played a part in their inconsistent campaign.
No other team in the current campaign has used as many players (27) as Nigeria did over the course of their nine games with two different coaches.
They opened their campaign in Tunisia with a 78–62 loss to Cameroon, but put up a good fight against South Sudan, narrowly losing 82–79. They eventually overpowered Cape Verde, winning 100–84.
7. Mali ⬇️6️⃣
Window 4 Record: 1-2 Overall Record: 6-3
Mali arrived in Dakar as the team to beat and the front-runners. However, they fell short of expectations, losing two of their three games.
The absence of Oumar Ballo, who suffered a back injury before the highly anticipated clash against Senegal, diminished their chances considerably.
Mali opened their campaign with an impressive 3-0 win in February, followed by a 2-1 win in July, before dropping to a 1-2 loss in August. Are Mali running out of steam in the competition?
6. Guinea ⬆️4️⃣
Window 4 Record: 2-1 Overall Record: 6-3
Guinea's 81-71 loss to South Sudan proved to be the spark they needed to stay in the running for Qatar 2027. First, they dispatched Cape Verde 81–61, before putting an end to Cameroon's unbeaten run with a convincing 90–67 victory.
In a qualifying tournament where every point matters, Guinea could not have sent a clearer message.
5. Angola ⬆️1️⃣
Window 4 Record: 2-1 Overall Record: 6-3
With just 40.2 boards per game, they may be the worst rebounding team at this stage of the competition, but the saying 'never underestimate the heart of a champion' could not be more fitting for Angola.
Not only did the reigning African champions push hosts Senegal to the limit before losing 84–82, it was also their emphatic 91–70 victory over high-flying Côte d'Ivoire that left many admiring their tenacity.
4. Senegal ⬇️2️⃣
Window 4 Record: 2-1 Overall Record: 7-2
Senegal's last games raised questions about their overreliance on Brancou Badio, especially since the team had played all nine games at home.
When Badio had his worst performance of the campaign, Senegal lost 76-67 to Egypt.
The good news for the Lions of Teranga, though, is that they rebound better than any other team in the competition. They average 51 boards per game, the highest field-goal percentage (43.9%), and the most blocks (8) per game.
3. Côte d'Ivoire ⬆️2️⃣
Window 4 Record: 2-1 Overall Record: 7-2
Beating Mali and Egypt by a small margin proved how tenacious Côte d'Ivoire are.
However, they found themselves in uncharted territory when they faced Angola and recorded their heaviest loss in almost a decade.
2. South Sudan ⬆️6️⃣
Window 4 Record: 3-0 Overall Record: 7-2
South Sudan had only one way to reestablish itself as a powerhouse on the continent. They had to bring their A-listers to the African Qualifiers. They did just that, and the results speak for themselves.
Eight of the twelve Bright Stars who played for South Sudan were part of the Olympic squad.
Although South Sudan won by narrow margins against Nigeria and hosts Tunisia and overcame Guinea by 10 points (81–71), they were the round's biggest winner.
1. Cameroon ⬆️3️⃣
Window 4 Record: 2-1 Overall Record: 7-2
Beating former African champions Nigeria and Tunisia by 16 and 22 points respectively confirmed Cameroon's progress in the campaign.
The arrival of Yves Missi and Christian Koloko added significant value to a team chasing their first-ever World Cup ticket.
Although they are in pole position, they must learn from their 90–67 loss to Guinea.
DISCLAIMER: The Power Rankings are completely subjective and in no way represent an official or precise ranking system. All comments reflect the author’s opinions.
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