KIGALI (Rwanda) - On Monday at Petit Stade de Kigali, Cameroon secured a 60-44 victory over Tunisia, finishing at the top of Group B of the 2025 FIBA U16 AfroBasket.
This result gave Cameroon a 3-0 record and secured their place in the quarter-finals as group winers. Tunisia, who also entered the game unbeaten, slipped to 2–1 but advanced for the next round.
Earlier in the day, Uganda secured their first victory of the tournament by defeating the defending champions, Guinea, with a score of 73–53. This result meant that Guinea were eliminated, having lost all three of their games, and ensuring that a new champion would be crowned in Kigali.
Here's a look back at Monday's events in Kigali.
Cameroon survive Tunisia scare
Both Cameroon and Tunisia arrived with a score of 2-0, meaning that this game would determine the winner of Group B.
Although both teams had already secured a place in the quarter-finals, the contest carried added importance, as finishing top of the group often results in a more favourable path through the knockout phase.
The first quarter was closely fought, with both teams struggling offensively, before Tunisia edged ahead to make it 14-11.
The game shifted in the second quarter, however, when Cameroon launched a 13-2 run fuelled by aggressive defence and accurate shooting from beyond the arc. This opened up a gap and allowed Cameroon to control the tempo. They went into halftime with an eight-point lead at 24–16.
Tunisia adjusted after the break, producing a balanced third quarter and matching Cameroon 17–17 to maintain the difference.
Entering the final quarter, the North Africans were 8 points behind but still had a chance. They began strongly with a 6-0 run to reduce the deficit to two points. However, Cameroon steadied themselves and responded with a decisive 19-11 sequence to win the game.
Nolan Ngangmeni again played a central role for Cameroon. He scored 14 points, collected 5 rebounds, shot perfectly from the free-throw line (6 out of 6) and added two three-pointers. Luther Maboula was the game's top scorer with 15 points, and also contributed 7 rebounds. Felix Deumi also made a valuable contribution, scoring 13 points and hitting 3 of 9 three-pointers.
Adem Rafrafi led the Tunisian team with 12 points, but this was not enough to challenge Cameroon’s depth.
Cameroon completed group play with a perfect 3-0 record. Tunisia settled for second place in Group B with a record of 2–1. Both teams will progress to the quarter-finals, where the competition is set to intensify.
Uganda confirms the reigning champions' downfall
Uganda secured their first win in the tournament by overcoming Guinea 73-53. This meant that the 2023 winners, Guinea, bowed out of the competition in Kigali without a victory and will not be defending their title.
Guinea started the game strongly and led 13-6 in the opening minutes. They maintained their advantage throughout the first half, capitalising on Uganda’s turnovers.
At halftime, the defending champions held a narrow 29–25 lead, but Uganda saved their best for the remaining two quarters.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter, when Uganda equalised at 34–34.
From then on, the Junior Silverbacks increased their defensive intensity, forcing Guinea to miss multiple shots and putting together a 21-15 run to take a small lead. Entering the final quarter, Uganda had the momentum and quickly took control of the game.
The last 10 minutes saw Uganda outscore Guinea 27–9. Their pace, rebounding dominance, and superior shooting efficiency sealed the outcome.
Pierre Laurent Rwuhiriro delivered an outstanding all-round performance for Uganda, finishing with 13 points, 19 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shane Kwizera led the team in scoring with 14 points, while Lucas Ssenyonjo added 13 points and six rebounds.
Meanwhile, Guinea relied on Alpha Oumar Traoré, who posted 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Massa Pierre Touré, who contributed 10 points. However, these efforts could not prevent a third consecutive defeat.
Uganda finished group play with a record of 1–2, securing third place in the group. Guinea exited with a record of 0–3, leaving the tournament wide open for a new champion to emerge.
FIBA