Libya

Preview of Group A of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Africa

GROUP A of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifier sees strong nations Cameroon, Cape Verde and South Sudan and minnows Libya, trying to make headway in the first round in Rades, Tunisia. The Big Tip Off writer Sindiswa Mabunda gives an outlook on the chances of the four competing nations in Group A.

Cameroon

Cameroon enter this qualifying window on the back of an impressive AfroBasket campaign that reaffirmed their defensive identity and competitive edge. The Lions came within touching distance of the final, losing heartbreakingly to eventual champions Angola in the dying seconds of the semi-final. Their strength lies in disciplined defence and high-intensity execution, but their depth remains a concern, particularly if key contributors are unavailable.

The electric Jeremiah Hill, who averaged 15.7 points, five assists, and 2.2 steals at the recent AfroBasket, is capable of creating offence out of nothing. Team captain Fabien Ateba provided steady scoring (12.6 points per game) during the AfroBasket, and he is a capable rebounder (3.6 per game). Tamenang Choh contributed with efficient shooting and strong rebounding, and Samir Gbetkom emerged as a key facilitator and defensive disruptor.

Cameroon’s last appearance in the World Cup Qualifiers saw the Indomitable Lions fall short, but their recent continental showing suggests they’re edging closer to bridging that gap. If they can reproduce the defensive consistency that defined their impressive run in the AfroBasket, they will be a tough matchup for any opponent in this group.

Deng Deng at the 2025 Afroasket — **South Sudan’s Deng Deng will lead a new look South Sudan Fiba World Cup Qualifiers. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

South Sudan

South Sudan’s meteoric rise over the past five years has captured the imagination of basketball fans across Africa and beyond. Their AfroBasket campaign may not have reflected their true strength, as they were without their Olympic core, but their trajectory remains upward. Despite early defeats to Angola and Guinea, the Bright Stars showed glimpses of their trademark grit, with Nuni Omot standing out as their offensive engine, delivering 17 points per game.

Their historic debut at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup told a more accurate story. South Sudan collected their first-ever World Cup win by defeating China 89–69, a moment that symbolised their emergence as a serious force. Led by Carlik Jones’ composure, they became the youngest basketball nation to win on that stage.

With Luol Deng’s vision continuing to shape the program, South Sudan’s challenge now lies in maintaining consistency amid roster uncertainties. If even a portion of their Olympic and World Cup core can suit up, they’ll remain favourites to top the group.

For Libya, the 2025 AfroBasket was a tournament of missed opportunities. They entered with promise but were quickly undone by instability, both in the technical bench and roster availability. A last-minute coaching change from Fouad Bou Chakra disrupted the team’s rhythm, while the absence of talisman, Mohamed Sadi, due to injury left a massive void. The team struggled to find its footing, failing to register a win, but there were moments of effort and resilience that suggest a foundation to build upon.

In the broader context of the World Cup qualifiers, Libya haven’t been a major player in recent cycles. Yet, this window is a chance to reset. Their focus will likely be on restoring team chemistry and establishing identity under stable leadership. If they can integrate returning talent and bring back key scorers, Libya could be more competitive than its recent results suggest.

Cape Verde

The Blue Sharks continue to defy expectations. Despite being one of Africa’s smallest nations, Cape Verde has proven they belong among the elite. At AfroBasket, they reached the quarterfinals, where Angola eliminated them. The Blue Sharks displayed a level of maturity and balance that’s become their hallmark.

They have an ageing core built around Edy Tavares, a two-time EuroLeague champion and three-time EuroLeague best defender, alongside brothers Ivan and Joel Almeida. There were reports of player dissatisfaction with the federation after the AfroBasket exit, with Ivan Almeida hinting at a possible retirement.

At 36, Almeida is still playing at a high level, and his AfroBasket numbers (12 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists) show he can still deliver for the island nation.

His older brother Joel, who recently turned 40, adds experience to Cape Verde’s ranks. He had a productive AfroBasket, scoring 14 points, but with the national team needing to head in a new direction, can Joel Almeida still be part of the future?

The Blue Sharks need to rebuild after their historic 2023 World Cup qualification, but retaining the guiding hand of experience is also paramount ahead of the qualifiers.

Outlook

Group A offers a compelling balance of styles and storylines. South Sudan, buoyed by their rapid rise and global experience, enters as the early favourite. Cameroon’s defensive discipline makes them dangerous spoilers, while Cape Verde’s cohesion and proven ability to punch above their weight keep them firmly in contention. Libya, though still rebuilding, could be the wildcard if it manages to stabilise and rediscover confidence.

Group C is a mix of the strong and the darkhorses

Group C Overview

Group C at AfroBasket 2025 offers a fascinating mix of basketball royalty, rising forces, and ambitious challengers. Hosts Angola will be under pressure to deliver in front of their passionate home fans and reclaim past glory. South Sudan, Africa’s top-ranked team, aims to continue their meteoric rise and stake a claim as continental champions.

Guinea arrive with a fearless edge, eager to prove their upset over Angola in the qualifiers was no fluke. Libya make a long-awaited return to the tournament after 16 years, hoping a blend of veteran experience and fresh energy can surprise the field.

With three knockout stage spots available, this group promises high-intensity clashes and very few easy wins.

Angola – The Home Giants

Angola enters AfroBasket 2025 with a rich history, strong home support, and the desire to add to their record of 11 titles. They last lifted the trophy in 2013, and while results over the past decade have been mixed, including a quarterfinal exit in 2021, this tournament represents a chance for redemption and a celebration of their basketball heritage.

Guided by Spanish coach Josep Claros Canals, Angola dominated the qualifiers, topping Group C in scoring (83.3 points per game), assists (19.0), and blocks (3.0).

Childe Dundao, the team’s top scorer at 18.5 points per game, and Jilson Bango, with a shooting percentage of 61% and an average of 7.7 rebounds per game, will be crucial to their success. The MVP of the domestic Angolan Basketball League, Aboubakar Gakou, as well as Gerson Gonçalves, strengthen a well-balanced attack.

If Angola can improve their three-point shooting (29%) and reduce turnovers (14.7 per game), their mix of interior strength and home-court energy will make them strong favourites to top the group.

South Sudan Group C AfroBasket — **South Sudan has been the team of the moment in African basketball. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

South Sudan – The Rapid Risers

South Sudan’s journey from debutants in 2021 to Africa’s number-one ranked team has been nothing short of remarkable. They arrive in Angola with an aggressive, athletic style that has caught the eye.

In the qualifiers, they led all teams in this group in rebounds (43.3 per game), steals (16.3), and field goal percentage (45%). Wenyen Gabriel was a force on both ends, topping the rebound charts at 10.5 per game and adding 2.5 blocks, while Kuany Atem Kuany shot an extraordinary 68.8% from beyond the arc.

Kur Nyok Kuath provided elite finishing at 88% from the field, and Jackson Makoi orchestrated the offence with 5.8 assists per game.

The Bright Stars’ challenge will be maintaining shooting consistency and avoiding costly defensive fouls. If they can lock in defensively, the talent at their disposal and momentum will facilitate a deep run and cement themselves as the best team on the continent.

Guinea Group C AfroBasket — **Guinea will look to punch above their weight in Group C.**

Guinea – The Fearless Challengers

Guinea come to the tournament with a fighting spirit and the confidence of knowing they can beat the best, having edged Angola 66–65 in qualifiers. Ranked 11th in Africa, they play with physicality, hustle, and a willingness to battle on every possession.

Shannon Evans was their offensive spark, averaging 19 points per game and shooting a group-best 90% from the free-throw line during qualifiers. Ousmane Drame added versatility with 14 points, 8.3 rebounds, and four assists per game, while Cheick Sekou Conde and Abdoulaye Sy brought muscle to the paint.

Guinea also posted the highest team free-throw percentage in Group C (73.3%). However, low shooting efficiency (38.9%) and a high turnover rate (20 per game) threaten to undermine their efforts. If they can take better care of the ball and improve shot selection, Guinea could cause another upset or two.

Libya – The Returning Dark Horses

Libya’s return to AfroBasket after a 16-year absence has been one of the most compelling storylines. Their qualification run was marked by resilience, starting with a pre-qualifying win over Morocco and peaking with a dramatic 92–89 overtime victory against Nigeria.

Hosting the second round of qualifiers boosted their momentum, and they finished with a 4–2 record. The appointment of former NBA player Sam Vincent as head coach adds a new layer of experience and tactical knowledge to the lessons learned during their qualifying run with Coach Fouad Abou Chakra.

Naseim Badrush was the motor of the side, playing a tournament-high 37.9 minutes per game and leading all players in assists (8.4). Mohamed Sadi was the cornerstone of the side, with his ability to turn defence into offence. He made history during qualifiers, notching a historic triple-double (24 points, 12 assists and 10 steals).

Sofian Hamad and Mohamed Ramadan provided inside scoring and rebounding. Shooting efficiency (38.2%) and defensive lapses remain concerns, but if Libya get their rhythm early, they could easily disrupt the group’s expected order.

Sadi Group C — **Mohamed Sadi will be key to Libya’s progress in the AfroBasket.**

Key Fixtures to Watch

Angola vs South Sudan: A clash between the hosts and Africa’s top-ranked side, with first place in the group likely on the line.

Guinea vs Libya: A game that could determine the battle for a knockout spot, pitting Guinea’s hustle against Libya’s experienced core.

South Sudan vs Guinea: Athleticism meets grit in a matchup that could produce a major upset.

Predictions

Buoyed by their home crowd and a commanding inside presence, Angola head into Group C as favourites to advance. With their blend of experience, depth, and home-court advantage, they have the tools to progress. So long as they cut down on turnovers and sharpen their perimeter shooting.

South Sudan is the most likely to advance to the knockout stages alongside the hosts. Their size, rebounding, and defensive intensity give them an edge over Guinea and Libya. If their shooting holds up, they could even top the group.

Guinea, fresh from their qualifier’s upset over Angola, cannot be discounted. If they improve efficiency and cut down turnovers, they could stun a higher-ranked opponent for a chance to play for a knockout spot. Libya, though ranked lowest in the group, have the tools and coaching to cause surprises. A strong start and consistent execution could make them the wild card in Group C.

Group C is a mix of the strong and the darkhorses Read More »