As the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament has arrived! Group A emerges as a battleground where Angola will face Lebanon and host nation Spain, all vying for a chance to compete in the Olympic Games. Set against the backdrop of Spain, this tournament promises high-intensity matchups and strategic showdowns.
Last Updated on
July 3, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
Angola travels to Spain for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) starting tomorrow with a mission: to return to the Olympic Games after a 16-year absence. Yet, numerous challenges lie ahead, leaving many questions unanswered.
Angola aims to make a significant impact in Spain. With promising players like Childe Dundao, Bruno Fernando, and Stelton Miguel, the team possesses the talent to compete fiercely in this demanding tournament.
Confirmed 12-man Roster:
Angola's first opponent is Spain, a team they have faced five times historically, with Spain generally having the upper hand. Their initial encounter was at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where Angola triumphed 83-63. However, in a subsequent classification match at the same Olympics, Spain narrowly won 78-75, beginning their dominance over Angola. In Sydney 2000, Spain defeated Angola 64-45, followed by an 88-55 victory at the 2002 World Cup in Indianapolis. The 2006 World Cup in Japan saw Spain winning again, 93-83. Their last meeting was at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Spain decisively won 98-50.
For the first time, Angola faces Lebanon, a team ranked 28th in the FIBA rankings compared to Angola's 34th. This game represents a significant opportunity for the former AfroBasket champions.
Angola has participated in OQTs before, notably in 2012 in Venezuela, where they lost to Russia, and in 2016 in Belgrade, where defeats to Puerto Rico (91-81) and Serbia (83-60) ended their campaign prematurely. In 2020, Poland and Slovenia also eliminated Angola, with Slovenia delivering a crushing 118-68 defeat.
Angola has not won a game at the Olympics since beating Korea in 1996 in Atlanta. Thus, a victory over Spain in their opening game would be a monumental achievement.
An early win against Spain could boost Angola's confidence heading into their match against Lebanon, which has had a mixed record in recent competitions. Despite Lebanon's recent better performances in their continental tournament than Angola's AfroBasket showings, Angola has the potential to rise to the occasion.
In conclusion, Angola faces formidable challenges in Spain, but with their talent and determination, they have the resources to compete at the highest level. The critical question remains: Can they deliver their best performance when it matters most?
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
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