A tense finale in Dakar
The final window of the African qualifiers for the 2027 championship unfolded in Dakar, where the Democratic Republic of Congo faced Egypt in a match that would decide more than just a win‑loss record.
From the opening quarter, the Congolese surged ahead, building a 13‑point cushion that seemed to promise an easy victory.
But Egypt refused to fold; a series of three‑point bursts whittled the lead down to a razor‑thin margin, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Power forward Jonathan Kasibabu delivered a double‑double, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds, his first such performance of the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Mathieu Kamba, who had gone 0‑for‑6 in the previous game against Mali, turned the tide with 23 points on 6‑of‑9 shooting, sparking cheers from the home crowd.
Coach Agustín Julbe Bosch, reflecting on the loss, spoke of the team’s inconsistency, noting that momentum had slipped after earlier wins over Angola and Uganda.
Gaëtan Doucet, the team’s veteran guard, praised the squad’s resolve, saying the side was “made of” determination and focus.
The narrow victory lifted the Congolese to a 3‑6 record in the first round, while Egypt fell to 4‑5, and both nations now look ahead to the second‑round fixtures scheduled for later this year.
A program in motion
Beyond the scoreboard, the win serves as a building block for the country’s basketball program, offering a glimpse of progress as the federation aims to develop talent for future tournaments.
With the fifth and final round of qualifiers set to resume in February 2027, the Congolese coaching staff plans to leverage this momentum to strengthen grassroots initiatives and improve preparation for the next cycle.