KIGALI (Rwanda) - When the 2025 FIBA U16 AfroBasket tournament began in Kigali, Rwanda, the teams arrived full of promise.
The end of the group stage provides a clearer picture of the tournament's contenders.
From Côte d'Ivoire's resounding victory over Sierra Leone to Egypt's impressive rebounding ability and the early exit of the reigning champions, here are some of the most notable moments from the group stage.
A new champion will be crowned on September 14
Perhaps the most telling statistic of all is Guinea’s record.
The defending champions left Kigali without a single win in the group stage, which highlights how unforgiving youth competitions can be.
Their minus -69 point differential highlighted a lack of cohesion, particularly in defence, where opponents such as Cameroon were able to score at will.
Favourites show up
The three teams that topped their respective groups – Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Mali – reached the quarter-finals undefeated, playing convincingly and consistently.
In Group A, Côte d’Ivoire won all three of their games (3–0), dominating with their offensive play and depth. Angola followed with a strong 2–1 record, but they clearly did not match Côte d’Ivoire's all-round firepower and composure.
Cameroon also demonstrated consistency in their three group phase games against Tunisia, Uganda and Guinea. The Central Africans scored an impressive 68.3 points per game.
Mali also remained undefeated (3–0), topping Group C ahead of Egypt, who finished with a record of 2–1. While the matchup between former champions is a classic, Mali achieved this with just seven players.
Côte d’Ivoire’s statement of intent
Côte d’Ivoire have the biggest winning margin of the tournament so far, having achieved an 85-point victory over Sierra Leone, which demonstrated the young Elephants’ determination.
This result demonstrated Côte d’Ivoire’s depth, with contributions coming from almost every player in the squad.
This breadth of production explains why Côte d’Ivoire entered the quarter-finals unbeaten and with the most impressive point differential of the group stage.
Oka’s scoring touch
Jean-Philippe Dylan Oka was Côte d’Ivoire's go-to man throughout the group phase.
With an average of 20.3 points per game, he provided the Elephants with a consistent scoring threat.
However, the numbers also showed that Oka was efficient, rather than just a high-volume shooter.
It was his ability to score while staying within the team’s rhythm that made the Ivorians look balanced
Karim Hendy is Egypt’s anchor in the paint
Karim Hendy’s rebounding average of 12.7 per game speaks volumes about Egypt’s style of play.
The North Africans thrive on second chances and limiting their opponents' possessions. Against Morocco and Liberia, Hendy’s dominance on the boards created extra opportunities for Egypt’s transition game, allowing them to pull ahead of their opponents.
In a knockout setting where every possession counts, Hendy’s rebounding ability could be the X-factor that keeps Egypt in the medal race.
Steals per game: pressure defense pays off
Few teams were as disruptive defensively as Rwanda and Liberia, led by Enzo Kabenga and David Evans, averaging 5 and 6.3 steals each.
While those teams didn’t dominate their groups, the numbers reflect an aggressive defensive identity that kept games competitive.
For Rwanda, those steals turned into transition baskets that helped them secure a crucial win over Sierra Leone and stay in contention.
What to watch in the knockout rounds
Going forward, the teams that emerge from the group stage with momentum will be hard to beat.
Côte d’Ivoire (A), Mali (C) and Cameroon (B) are favourites not only because of their group records, but also because they have performed well as a team, showing discipline and adaptability.
Meanwhile, Angola, Egypt and Tunisia will be under pressure to bounce back or maintain their positive trajectories.
However, teams such as Liberia, Rwanda, and Uganda have demonstrated enough potential to suggest that they could defy expectations if they maintain their confidence.
FIBA