2025 Afrobasket: Angola Survive Cameroon Scare, Face Mali in Title Clash

2025 Afrobasket: Angola Survive Cameroon Scare, Face Mali in Title Clash

By Admin 

Eleven-time champions Angola are one win away from extending their dominance of African basketball after surviving a late scare to beat Cameroon 74-73 in a thrilling FIBA Afrobasket 2025 semi-final in Luanda on Saturday night.

In a pulsating encounter at the packed Kilamba Arena, the Palancas Negras held their nerve in the dying seconds to secure victory and book a place in Sunday’s final against Mali at 7:00 p.m.

Nail-Biting Finish

With just six seconds left on the clock and the scores tied at 73-73, Angola snatched the winning basket to keep their hopes of a record 12th continental crown alive.

Cameroon, who stunned defending champions Tunisia earlier in the tournament, once again proved fearless. They took the first quarter 21-16 and went into halftime narrowly ahead 38-37 after Angola responded strongly in the second quarter (21-17).

The Lions of Cameroon surged again in the third quarter, outscoring the hosts 21-15. But Angola, roared on by their fans, clawed back in the final stretch, with the scoreline standing at 72-71 in their favour with eight seconds to play. The game eventually ended in dramatic fashion, 74-73.

Road to the Final

The hosts have endured a challenging route to the championship match, battling through several close contests. They defeated Tunisia 73-62, Libya 85-53, Guinea 84-68, South Sudan 66-64, and Cape Verde 90-80 in the quarter-finals.

Cameroon, ranked 63rd in the world, leave the tournament with their heads held high after memorable victories, including a resounding 86-56 win over Tunisia, a 95-68 triumph against Egypt, and wins over Madagascar (80-72) and DR Congo (77-68). Their only group-stage defeat came against Nigeria (90-99).

Despite losing all four previous Afrobasket meetings against Angola, Cameroon demonstrated their rising potential. The Lions have now reached the last four in their 10th Afrobasket appearance, with their best finish being silver in 2017.

Legacy on the Line

Angola, ranked 33rd globally, remain Africa’s most decorated basketball nation with 11 Afrobasket titles, four silvers, and two bronzes. They will now face Mali, a side chasing their first-ever continental crown, in a final that promises fireworks.

Meanwhile, Cameroon will battle Senegal for the bronze medal on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.