A Nail‑Bitten Finale in Dakar
The final match of the first‑round African Qualifiers for Group F unfolded in Dakar, Senegal, where the Democratic Republic of the Congo faced Egypt in a contest that promised pride more than playoff positioning.
What began as a modest lead for the Egyptians slipped away as the Congolese rallied, ultimately sealing a 77‑75 victory that marked their third win of the campaign and left Egypt at 4‑5.
Jonathan Kasibabu was the anchor of that surge, delivering a double‑double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, his first of the tournament and a clear signal of growing chemistry within the squad.
Key Performances
Mathieu Kamba, who had endured a 0‑for‑6 night in a prior loss to Mali, turned the tide with a 23‑point outing, shooting 6‑for‑9 and providing the offensive spark the team needed.
Egypt’s coach Agustín Julbe Bosch acknowledged the team’s uneven rhythm, noting that momentum had been elusive after earlier wins over Angola and Uganda.
Gaëtan Doucet, reflecting on the win, emphasized the group’s resilience, saying the victory would serve as a foundation for the program’s future development.
The qualifiers will reconvene in February 2027, giving both sides another chance to fine‑tune their strategies before the next window of competition.