THE AfroBasket is making a return to Angola after 19 years, and the giants of the game will converge on the cities of Luanda and Moçâmedes in the Southern province of Namibe in the quest to be crowned basketball kings of Africa. Ahead of the tournament, The Big Tip Off is providing a preview of all the groups, key players, statistics and predictions on which teams will emerge.
Group A overview
GROUP A at AfroBasket 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive groups in Angola. Côte d’Ivoire arrives as a continental giant, unbeaten in qualifiers and rich in basketball legacy. DR Congo has been turning heads, notably with a surprise win against Africa’s top-ranked South Sudan in qualifiers.
Cape Verde may be small, but it brings a fearless, physical style and enjoys strong support in Angola due to cultural ties. Underdogs, Rwanda has invested heavily in their basketball program and is eager to turn that into on-court success. With just two spots to advance, every game in this group promises fierce competition and high stakes.
Côte d’Ivoire – The Contenders With Pedigree
Côte d’Ivoire ranks second in Africa and 31st worldwide, boasting two AfroBasket titles (1981, 1985) and six finals appearances, including a silver medal in 2021. Their qualifier run was flawless (6-0), showcasing an elite offence which scored 89.5 points per game, second-best overall. They also excelled on the boards (43.7 rebounds per game) and led all teams in assists with 22.7 per contest, demonstrating excellent ball movement and team play.
Spanish coach Miguel Ramos combines tactical discipline with the wisdom of Ivorian legend Stephane Konatè. The Ivorians will rely on the veteran leadership of 38-year-old floor general Solo Diabaté and dynamic players like versatile big man Matt Costello (15.7 points and eight rebounds per game) and sharpshooter Nisre Zouzoua. Despite moderate three-point shooting (35.6%) and a turnover rate of 16.8 per game, Côte d’Ivoire’s overall efficiency rating of 110.5 per game ranks them among the qualifiers’ best. They enter the tournament as clear favourites to top the group and contend for medals.
Democratic Republic of Congo – The Rising Leopards
The Democratic Republic of Congo, ranked 10th in Africa, impressed with a 5-1 qualifying record highlighted by a major upset of South Sudan. Their game is built on a strong inside presence and physical defence, anchored by 2.13m centre Jordan Sakho, who shot 51.9% from the field and averaged nine rebounds per game. Scorer Claude Christian Lutete IV (15.2 points per game) and athletic forward Rolly Fula Nganga complement the team’s toughness.
French coach Michel Perrin’s emphasis on physical defence and fast-break basketball has shaped a squad that averages 20 fouls per game, tied for the fourth highest in qualifiers, which could be a double-edged sword. Shooting efficiency remains a challenge, with a team field goal percentage of 38.8% and free throw accuracy being 66.7%.
The recent addition of BAL star John Jordan, who brings versatile scoring and playmaking, adds significant firepower. DR Congo is a serious contender to clinch second place and potentially break new ground by reaching the podium.
Cape Verde – The Blue Sharks Who Bite Big
Cape Verde has emerged as a respected force after a fourth-place finish at AfroBasket 2021 and their first FIBA World Cup appearance. Their qualifying record was a balanced 3-3, reflecting steady but not spectacular results. Coached by Emanuel Trovoada, the team’s strength lies in physical defence. The imposing presence of Real Madrid centre Edy Tavares, who protects the rim and anchors the defence.
View this post on Instagram
Ivan Almeida remains the key scorer and clutch performer, while other contributors like Anderson Correia and Shane Da Rosa provide balance. The team averages 71.7 points per game with a solid shooting percentage (53.8% FG by key players), but must improve their low free throw percentage (63.1%) and inconsistent three-point shooting (33.3%).
With a large Cape Verdean community in Angola, the Blue Sharks will enjoy strong support. They have the potential to upset higher-ranked teams; however, they stay out of foul trouble and sharpen their offence.
Rwanda – The Hungry Challengers
Rwanda, ranked 15th in Africa, qualified as the best third-place team in their group with a 2-4 record. While Rwanda struggled, scoring only 74.2 points per game on 36.8% shooting, their defence was a bright spot, ranking second in steals per game at 11.7. Senegalese coach Cheikh Sarr, bringing World Cup experience, emphasises tenacity and defensive pressure.
Key players include versatile guard Ntore Habimana (6.7 assists per game) and 2.11m big man Osborn Shema, who averages 2.2 steals and blocks per game. Despite concerns about turnovers (18.8 per game) and offensive inconsistency, Rwanda’s defensive grit could help them steal a win or two, as they try to advance beyond the group stage for the first time.
Key Fixtures to Watch
Côte d’Ivoire vs DR Congo: Likely to decide the top spot with two continental powerhouses facing off.
Cape Verde vs Côte d’Ivoire: Blue Sharks will look to exploit their physical style and disrupt the favourites.
DR Congo vs Rwanda: A must-win for Rwanda to keep hopes alive, which will prove to be a test for DR Congo to avoid complacency.
Predictions
Côte d’Ivoire, with a perfect qualifying run, balanced scoring, and experienced leadership, is the favourite to top Group A. They are also seen as contenders for a podium spot. DR Congo’s athleticism, inside dominance, and new star additions make them the main challengers for the second knockout spot, provided they improve shooting efficiency and manage fouls. Cape Verde’s physicality and rim protection can make them dangerous spoilers. Rwanda’s defensive tenacity and emerging talent give them a chance to upset expectations, but consistency and experience remain challenges for advancing.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter for all the latest feature stories and previews of events on the African continent.
