Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and Angola have a lot to answer

AFRICA’S premier Women’s national team tournament, the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, tips off on Saturday in Cote d’Ivoire (26 July – 3 August). Ahead of the tournament, The Big Tip Off weighs the chances of the teams competing in Group A, which includes the host nation, former champions Angola, and Egypt. 

Côte d’Ivoire

Road to Qualification

As the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire qualified automatically for the 2025 AfroBasket tournament.

Team History & Previous Tournament Run

Côte d’Ivoire has participated in 15 editions of the tournament. Their best performance came in 2009 when they secured a fourth-place finish. From 2011 to 2021, they consistently reached the quarter-finals. However, they were stunned at the last AfroBasket, finishing in 11th place and will look to improve on this result.

Côte d’Ivoire has the potential to take a significant step forward from its last showing at the continental competition. Enhancing their offensive efficiency by converting good looks more consistently, particularly at the rim and from the free-throw line, will unlock their scoring potential. Refining ball security through better spacing, decision-making, and greater composure under defensive pressure will help them maintain rhythm and momentum throughout games.

Players to Watch

Djéfarima Diawara

Diawara stood out as Côte d’Ivoire’s most dependable scorer at the 2023 AfroBasket, averaging 10.3 points per game. Her ability to drive inside and convert nearly 44% of her field goal attempts gave the team an offensive anchor. She showed confidence in creating her own shot and wasn’t afraid to take responsibility in crucial moments.

Beyond scoring, Diawara contributed 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, demonstrating her versatility and willingness to involve her teammates. While she recorded some turnovers, this will be an area that, with continued experience and composure, will only strengthen her game. Overall, Diawara’s assertiveness and attacking mindset remain a valuable asset for Côte d’Ivoire.

Zénabou Sieza

Sieza was a force on the boards at the 2023 AfroBasket, leading the team with an impressive 8.3 rebounds per game, including nearly three offensive rebounds per outing. Her dominance in securing second-chance opportunities and limiting opponents’ possessions was a major boost for the team’s competitiveness. While she didn’t score in high volumes, her physical presence and ability to battle in the paint provided Côte d’Ivoire with stability and toughness inside.

Angola

Road to Qualification

Angola secured their spot in the 2025 AfroBasket tournament through the Zone 6 qualifiers.

Team History & Previous Tournament Run

Angola has a storied history in the AfroBasket tournament, having won the championship in 2011 and 2013. Since then, they have continued to slip away from the podium, and in 2023, they recorded their worst performance yet, finishing in ninth place.

With a few improvements, they can return to their former glory. Improving shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, will stretch defences and open up opportunities for their powerful forwards. Reducing turnovers while maintaining unselfish ball movement will sustain offensive rhythm and create higher-percentage looks.

Players to Watch

Cristina Matiquite

Matiquite anchored Angola in the last AfroBasket, leading the team with 15.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per game, recording a double-double average. Her dominance on the boards, including 4.3 offensive rebounds per game, created vital second-chance opportunities while limiting opponents’ possessions. Her impressive 84% free-throw shooting highlighted her composure under pressure.

Sara Caetano

Caetano continues to emerge as one of Angola’s most promising talents. In the last AfroBasket, she averaged 18.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, showcasing her ability to score inside and from the perimeter, where she shot an impressive 37.5% from three-point range. She carried this form into the 2025 qualifiers, averaging 13.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, proving her readiness to dominate in Abidjan. Her versatility makes her a key offensive weapon for Angola in this tournament.

Egypt

Road to Qualification

Egypt got a wildcard entry to the continental showpiece.

Team History & Previous Tournament Run

Egypt has a rich history in the AfroBasket tournament, winning the championship in 1966 and 1968. They have not had a podium finish since 1974, but they have made the quarter-finals every year until 2023, where they finished 10th. Their struggles lingered on till the Zone 5 qualifiers this year, where they lost to Uganda in the finals.

While Egypt’s hallmark in the 2010s was consistency, this edition presents a perfect blend of proven leadership and fresh energy. Improving shooting percentages, especially from the free-throw line and beyond the arc, will be key to unlocking the team’s offensive potential. The infusion of young talents like Abdelgawad, Sallman, and El Alfy brings greater depth and versatility, which could translate into more dynamic ball movement and defensive intensity. Strengthening defensive rebounding and minimising turnovers will also be critical to maintain control during tight contests.

Players to Watch

Nadine Mohamed

Nadine Mohamed continues to cement her reputation as one of Egypt’s premier basketball talents. In the last AfroBasket, she led the team with an impressive 21.0 points per game, demonstrating her ability to score in a variety of ways. Mohamed is a constant offensive threat. Her 44.2% shooting overall, including 51.5% on two-point attempts, underscores her efficiency despite carrying a heavy scoring load.

Beyond her scoring, she contributed 7.0 rebounds per game, reflecting her willingness to battle inside and secure crucial boards for her team. While her free-throw shooting at 52.4% leaves room for improvement, Mohamed’s fearless approach and ability to take over games make her the focal point of Egypt’s offence.

Raneem El Gedawy

Raneem El Gedawy is Egypt’s reliable anchor in the paint. She averaged a solid 15.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, registering a double-double across the 2023 edition. Her rebounding numbers, especially the 7.3 defensive rebounds per game, limited opponents’ second-chance opportunities and gave Egypt control of the boards. Offensively, El Gedawy is efficient around the rim, using her footwork and strength to finish through contact.

Defensively, her impact is just as significant. She averaged 3.0 blocks per game, establishing herself as a formidable rim protector and deterring opponents from attacking the paint. Her presence forces teams to adjust their offensive strategies, creating advantages for Egypt’s perimeter defenders.