ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - And then there were eight! The 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket quarterfinals match-ups are set, and the trophy is within reach.
Mouthwatering clashes await as the battle for continental glory continues at Palais des Sports de Treichville on Thursday, August 13.
Mali vs. Tunisia - Local Time: 13:00 (GMT0)
Mali cruised through the group, winning all three games while averaging 77.3 points per game. Tunisia is at the bottom of that ladder with 45 points per game.
The reigning African champions have won ten straight games dating back to the 2022 tournament and have played like a side capable of defending their title.
Centre Abdul Karim Diallo has provided interior presence on both ends of the court. Mohamed Keita and big boy Sekou Bagayoko alongside Ibourahima Coulibaly form a strong foundation for Mali.
On the other hand, Edriss Toumi has been the only consistent player for Tunisia. The 2.01m (6ft7in) forward, along with guard Adem Rafrafi, is in for tough offensive assignments against one of the best defences at the tournament. Issameddine Bibabi will have his hands full in the paint, trying to stop a rampant Malian side.
Senegal vs. Madagascar - Local Time: 15:30 (GMT0)
The matchup between Senegal and Madagascar will be a battle of length.
During the group phase, the Senegalese, more often than not, put their athleticism combined with length to use running the floor, but their last group match against Cameroon
Madagascar’s floor general Harinosy A’Ranty Rasetriarivony was a handful for many guards during the group phase, and Pape Diallo, Podor Ndiaye and Fredric Mane will have to be at their best to deal with the best point guard at the tournament.
Thesbon Matazaky Raolompanatena will have work to do in the paint against Senegal’s captain, Code Mbengue, and Bacary Doucoure, who are more athletic.
Côte d’Ivoire vs. Egypt - Local Time: 18:00 (GMT0)
Côte d’Ivoire have presented themselves as strong contenders, and their mettle will be tested in the first knockout game.
Arguably the best offensive team, Côte d’Ivoire averaged 90 points per game during the group phase, and that is the kind of offense Egypt will be up against.
Guards Nathan Djako and Karl-Randell Kouame-Zeze have been huge for the host with Jason Ake and Siincere Hudson controlling the floor. The quartet has their work cut out as the hosts continue to pursue the title on home soil.
Meanwhile, Chris Echui and Dimitri Azema will anchor the interior defense for the hosts.
Ramy Magdy, along with Ahmed Youssef Hendawy, Mohamed Mahmoud Bakry and Belal Sohaib, has been the driving force behind Egypt’s fairly distributed offensive responsibility, but they would have to be at their absolute best if Egypt is to upset the hosts.
Cameroon vs. Chad - Local Time: 20:30 (GMT0)
The central African battle between Cameroon and Chad is one to look forward to. The two teams have not been defined by scoring but rather by their defensive effort.
Offensively, the two sides play at a low pace while trying to find the right shots, but on the other side of the ball, they are aggressive and play suffocating perimeter defence.
Cameroon will bank on James Minlend and Felix Deumi, as well as bigs Daryl Baya and Ronny Ewanke, with Nolan Ngangmen directing the offense.
For debutants Chad, versatile forward Ngaba Yaya has been the go-to man along with center Junior Djibrine, but Timothee Ndohoudou and Aka Ousmane have quietly delivered.
FIBA