Afrobasket 2025 (Q): DR Congo and Senegal make a splash in Dakar

Group A: DR Congo bring South Sudan to their knees

A thunderclap at the Dakar Arena! DR Congo landed a huge blow in this 2nd window of Afrobasket 2025 qualifying, handing South Sudan their first defeat on the continent since 2022. In a gripping contest, settled by a 76-69 win in overtime, the Leopards proved they are far more than an outsider. Jordan Sakho dominated proceedings with 18 points and 11 rebounds, backed up by a sharpshooting Rolly Fula (21 points).

South Sudan, the number 1 team in Africa and present at the 2024 Olympics, wobbled in the face of Congolese intensity. Despite a heroic late display from Junior Madut to force overtime, the Bright Stars ran out of steam. Their record (2-1) remains solid, but this defeat could well shake their status as favourites.

In the shadow of those two heavyweights, Mali showed real pride in beating Morocco in a nail-biting finish (66-64). Led by a combative Aliou Diarra (double-double: 11 points, 10 rebounds), the Malians held on despite an almost miraculous late comeback from the Moroccans. Mohamed Choua gave everything for his side (19 points, 15 rebounds), but Labib El Hamrani's team end this window without a single win, leaving with a bitter taste and a 0-3 record that does not fully reflect their fighting spirit. The result above all damages their hopes of qualifying for Afrobasket 2025.

Group A standings

1. DR Congo (6 pts)
2. South Sudan (5 pts)
3. Mali (4 pts)
4. Morocco (3 pts)

Group C: Senegal unstoppable in front of their home crowd

At home, Senegal delivered an almost flawless performance. Three games, three wins, a raucous arena and helpless opponents. The highlight? A spectacular 87-83 win over Cameroon on Sunday, in an electric atmosphere. Brancou Badiou, playing the conductor, lit up the game with 31 points, while Karim Mané sealed the victory with a decisive block and ice-cold free throws.

Cameroon, determined throughout, came close to pulling off a surprise. After wiping out an 18-point deficit, the Indomitable Lions briefly took the lead before cracking in the final minute. Jeremiah Hill (18 points, 9 assists) shone, but it will take more to match a Senegal side on a mission.

At the bottom of the table, Rwanda salvaged some pride with a win (1-2), while Gabon, in serious difficulty (0-3), leave empty-handed. The road to qualifying for Afrobasket 2025 looks tough for both teams.

Group C standings

1. Senegal (6 pts)
2. Cameroon (5 pts)
3. Rwanda (4 pts)
4. Gabon (3 pts)