FIBA Africa Zone 4 Weekly Review: 30/01/2025

FIBA Africa Zone 4 Weekly Review: 30/01/2025

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic Basketball Federation has made a bold move ahead of the 2025 Afrobasket qualifiers by appointing Sylvain Lautie as the new head coach of the senior men's national team. Lautie, known for his experience and tactical acumen, will be supported by assistant coach GBONGO Wilfrid as they look to guide the Fawns back to the top of African basketball.

Under Lautie's leadership, the team will feature a star-studded roster, including top players such as Evans Ganapamo, Max Kouguere, Billy Kamayangue, and Maxime Semelet. These players, who have all made significant marks in both domestic and international competitions, are expected to play pivotal roles in the team's resurgence.

The Fawns are set to make a powerful comeback into continental basketball after a period of absence. With a mix of experienced players and a fresh coaching setup, they are ready to challenge some of the continent's best teams. The 2025 Afrobasket qualifiers, which will take place in Madagascar, will serve as the stage for their return to continental competition, and expectations are high for what promises to be an exciting campaign.

As the Fawns look to build on their rich basketball history, Lautie's coaching expertise and the talent within the roster provide plenty of optimism. Central African Republic fans eagerly await the team's performance in the qualifiers as the Fawns aim to prove they are once again a force to be reckoned with in African basketball.

Cameroon

The highly anticipated Youzou Elite Basketball Championship tipped off in Nkongsamba on January 25, 2025, bringing together eight teams for two days of intense competition. The teams participating in this newly dubbed tournament included FAP Women Basketball, Overdose Up Station, Université de Douala, Daniel Battiston Foundation, Onyx Yaoundé, AS Keep the Dream, Moungo Zone, and United Ladies of Douala.

Day 1 provided an exciting start to the championship, with several thrilling matchups. The United Ladies of Douala opened the tournament with a solid performance against Onyx Yaoundé, defeating the youthful squad by 10 points, 56-46. Meanwhile, the Daniel Battiston Foundation went head-to-head with AS Keep the Dream and secured a convincing 69-52 victory.

Newcomers Moungo Zone faced a tough challenge in their debut, suffering a heavy loss to the five-time champions, Overdose Up Station. The University of Douala, despite their energetic efforts, were defeated by the current champions, FAP Women Basketball, in what was expected to be a highly competitive derby.

Day 2 brought more excitement and drama. United Ladies of Douala faced FAP in a tough matchup but were defeated 46-64, leaving them with a 1-1 record. Onyx Yaoundé had a tough outing against Université de Douala, suffering a heavy 87-42 loss.

The day’s most highly anticipated match saw the Daniel Battiston Foundation narrowly lose to Overdose Up Station by just one point, 51-52, in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Moungo Zone lost to AS Keep the Dream 54-73 in another competitive matchup.

As the championship reached its conclusion on Day 2, FAP secured the top spot on the standings with two wins, followed by Overdose Up Station with a strong showing. The competition continues to heat up as these teams battle for supremacy, with FAP looking poised to defend their title and Overdose Up Station not far behind in their quest for another championship.

The Youzou Elite Basketball Championship has proven to be an exciting start to 2025, showcasing the rising talent and fierce competition in women’s basketball.