ABIDJAN (Côte d’Ivoire) – Window 2 of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers promises to be full of drama, with rekindled rivalries and heavyweight clashes as some of the continent's most competitive teams prepare to put their ambitions to the test.
From historic grudges to statistical dominance, here are six unmissable matchups that could set the tone for what lies ahead.
Senegal vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group B)
Thursday, February 26, Time of the game is yet To Be Determined
Few fixtures capture the essence of African basketball quite like a match between Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire.
These two African powerhouses have developed a fierce rivalry based on consistency and continental significance.
Since the 1999 African Championship, Senegal have the upper hand with six wins, two more than the Elephants — a gap they will be eager to close.
Their most recent encounter took place on 4 September 2021, when Côte d’Ivoire secured a resounding 75–65 victory in the AfroBasket semi-finals in Kigali.
Given their history of closely contested matches, another hard-fought battle could be on the cards.
Mali vs Egypt (Group D)
Thursday, February 26, Time of the game is yet To Be Determined
When Mali face Egypt, recent momentum meets historical precedent.
Since their meeting at the 1999 AfroBasket in Angola, Egypt have led the head-to-head series 6–2, reinforcing their superiority with a 74–59 victory at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket on 12 August.
However, this loss did little to derail Mali’s campaign, as they went on to reach the final for the first time in their national history, while Egypt fell at the quarter-final stage.
Ehab Amin delivered a standout performance in that match, accounting for almost a third of Egypt’s points while also contributing eight rebounds and three assists. Siriman Kanouté paced Mali with 16 points, underlining his offensive importance.
If these teams meet again, expect Mali to draw on their growing confidence, while Egypt will rely on their experience.
Côte d’Ivoire vs DR Congo (Group B)
Friday, February 27, Time of the game is yet To Be Determined
Despite their status on the continent, Côte d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have only met twice, with each claiming one victory.
Their latest encounter took place during the Group Phase of the 2025 AfroBasket tournament, where the Elephants dominated to secure a 75–63 victory.
Solo Diabaté, Lionel Kouadio and Matt Costello worked well together to lead the West Africans to victory over their Central African opponents.
A rematch would raise intriguing tactical questions, particularly if there were changes to the line-up. With both sides seeking early stability in the qualifiers, this encounter could be pivotal.
Egypt vs Angola (Group D)
Friday, February 27, Time of the game is yet To Be Determined
Since 1990, these two sides have met eight times in various locations across Africa, with Angola coming out on top in each of those meetings.
Whether at home, in Egypt, or in a neutral location, the 12-time African champions have prevailed over Egypt.
Can Egypt rewrite their history against Angola?
Egypt's upward trajectory suggests that they are becoming increasingly capable of challenging the established order, setting the stage for a potentially tense affair.
Senegal vs DR Congo (Group B)
Sunday, March 1, Time of the game is yet To Be Determined
Recent history favours the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the context adds another layer to this storyline.
The Central Africans beat Senegal 2–0 in the FIBA World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers, with a notable victory at the Dakar Arena on 26 February 2022.
Now hosting Group B, Senegal will see this clash as an opportunity for redemption in front of their home crowd.
Meanwhile, DR Congo will be aiming to extend their perfect record and reinforce their growing reputation as a formidable opponent.
The emotion and stakes will be equally high when these teams meet again.
Mali vs Angola (Group D)
Sunday, March 1, Time of the game is yet To Be Determined
Angola arrive in Alexandria on the back of a five-game winning streak against Mali, but familiarity often breeds intensity.
This matchup recalls the 2025 AfroBasket Final, in which Angola secured their 12th continental title. For Mali, the memory of that defeat could provide powerful motivation.
With a youthful roster, Mali will attempt to disrupt Angola’s rhythm and prove that they belong among Africa’s elite.
However, Angola remain the benchmark — and defending champions rarely surrender ground easily.
If Mali are to rewrite the narrative, they will need to seize the moment.
FIBA