TUNIS (Tunisia) – The reigning champions, Tunisia, are heading into the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket tournament in Angola from August 12–24 with one goal: to win a historic third consecutive continental title.
Only Angola, this year's host nation, has ever achieved such a feat in the tournament's storied history.
Tunisia is on the verge of joining that elite club, having dominated the tournament in 2017 and 2021 with undefeated runs. However, the path to glory won’t be easy.
Tunisia was drawn into Group B alongside powerhouses Nigeria and Cameroon and underdogs Madagascar. Tunisia knows it won’t enjoy the element of surprise this time. Every opponent will be gunning for the defending champions.
Their AfroBasket Qualifiers campaign revealed moments of dominance and vulnerability.
Tunisia started strong, but a 73–62 loss to Angola in the final game of the third window exposed some weaknesses. With the tournament approaching, questions linger:
Can this battle-tested team rediscover its winning rhythm when it matters most?
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Road to Angola 2025
Tunisia's path to the 2025 AfroBasket tournament began with a strong performance in the qualifiers. They achieved a 5–1 record across two competitive windows, which included a forfeit win against Kenya.
In February 2024, they opened their campaign with impressive victories over Kenya (90–69), Guinea (85–78), and tournament hosts Angola (82–73), showcasing their trademark defensive discipline and offensive balance.
The third window brought mixed results: a forfeit win over Kenya, a narrow escape against Guinea (64–63), and a 73–62 loss in a rematch against Angola. While the setback raised some concerns, the overall performance reaffirmed Tunisia’s status as a continental contender, with plenty of firepower and experience to rely on as they head to Angola.
AfroBasket History
Tunisia has made 23 appearances in the AfroBasket tournament, the third-highest number in the tournament's history, establishing them as a true continental powerhouse.
They first appeared in 1964, placing fourth, and the following year, as hosts, they claimed the silver medal in an all-North African podium.
Their most iconic victories include the 2011 final, when they stunned the 10-time champions, Angola, with a score of 67–56, winning their first title. Another notable victory was their unbeaten run in the 2021 championship, capped by a 78–75 win over Côte d’Ivoire. This victory was led by standout performances from Salah Mejri and Michael Roll.
Their 2017 home title, won by beating Nigeria 77–65, further cemented their legacy.
Tunisia’s best result is winning the tournament three times (in 2011, 2017, and 2021), while their worst finish was in 2013 when they placed ninth despite having a 4–1 record.
With four bronze medals and one silver, Tunisia’s AfroBasket journey has been marked by consistency on Africa’s biggest stage.
Coaching staff
Mehdy Mary – Head Coach
At the helm is Mehdy Mary, a coach with a deep résumé and a clear vision. His coaching journey began in 2006, with formative years in Switzerland at Benetton Fribourg, where he oversaw youth development and served as an assistant at the senior level.
He later joined the French national setup, coaching at U18 European and U19 World Championship levels, before moving into club coaching with stints in the EuroCup and FIBA Champions League, notably with Limoges CSP.
Interestingly, Mary was once selected to represent Algeria at the 2005 AfroBasket as a player, but an injury kept him off the final roster. Now, he's aiming to make his mark from the sidelines with Tunisia.
Key players
Omar Abada
With Makram Ben Romdhane recently ending his national team career, Omar Abada has become the team's centerpiece.
Abada was named to the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 All-Star Five and was Tunisia’s top scorer during the 2024 Qualifiers, averaging 15 points per game across four outings.
He scored 21 points against Guinea and 19 against Angola, demonstrating his ability to perform well under pressure. His playmaking and scoring will be vital for Tunisia’s success in Angola.
Oussama Marnaoui
Emerging as a consistent scoring threat, Marnaoui averaged 11.8 points per game in the Qualifiers. He posted standout performances against Angola (17 points) and Guinea (15 points), making a strong case for a more prominent role in the rotation heading into the tournament.
Outlook
Tunisia arrives in Angola with the pedigree of a champion and the hunger of a team chasing a legacy.
Facing former champions Nigeria and determined Cameroon, as well as up-and-coming Madagascar, will be no walk in the park.
The main question, however, is whether they can achieve the elusive three-peat. They have talent and experience on their side, though. Ruling them out would be a mistake.
FIBA