FIBA U19 World Cup 2025: Cameroon Drawn in "Group of Death" — Can They Handle the Heat?

FIBA U19 World Cup 2025 Draw: Mali and Cameroon Learn Their Fate

Reigning 2024, FIBA U18 AfroBasket champions Mali have been drawn into Group A alongside Argentina, Serbia, and New Zealand for the upcoming FIBA U19 World Cup 2025 in Switzerland. The Malian squad dominated the competition in Pretoria last year, outperforming their opponents in nearly every statistical category—including the all-important eye test. Now, they aim to extend their impressive form onto the global stage.

Team captain Youssouf Traoré, the reigning FIBA U18 AfroBasket MVP, will lead the charge. Traoré put up stellar numbers in Pretoria, averaging 12.8 points and a tournament-high 16.2 rebounds per game. Despite his calm demeanor, Traoré is a force to be reckoned with in the paint and on the glass. Currently developing his game in Spain with Palmer Alma Mediterránea, he remains a cornerstone for Mali as they prepare to take on the world’s best.

Mali will face a tough test in the forthcoming FIBA U19 World Cup 2025 Group Stage. They have been drawn into Group A alongside EuroBasket runners-up Serbia, FIBA U18 AmeriCup 2024 runners-up Argentina, and FIBA U18 Asia Championship runners-up New Zealand.

Serbia, widely considered favourites to top the group, pose a major challenge, while Argentina—who fell to the United States in the AmeriCup final—brings its own pedigree. Meanwhile, New Zealand, despite suffering a 60-point loss to champions Australia in the Asian final, remains a dangerous opponent.

Although Mali are the only continental champions in the group, they will use that status as a confidence boost rather than a reason for complacency. Known for their resilience and ability to thrive under pressure, the Malians will look to prove they belong among the world's best.

Cameroon has been drawn into what is considered the "group of death"—Group D—alongside the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup champions, the United States, and the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup champions, Australia. Rounding out the group is France, which, despite being one of the world's premier basketball nations, experienced an underwhelming EuroBasket, finishing in fifth place.

Nevertheless, the Cameroonians embrace this challenge and aim to rewrite history by forging a new path as one of the top nations globally. The country has produced notable talents such as NBA champion Pascal Siakam, NBA MVP Joel Embiid, and NBA rookie Yves Missi.

Currently, Cameroon boasts top talent in forward Amadou Seini, who averaged 12 points, 15.7 rebounds, and four blocks per game in Pretoria last year. At 7-foot-1, Seini played a crucial role in Cameroon's impressive run as one of the best third-placed teams. He also brings international experience from his time with the Italian side Varese Academy, where he continues to hone his skills.

Cameroon won only one group-stage game last year but capitalised on every opportunity by winning all their playoff matches before falling to Mali in the finals—a testament to their resilience. As underdogs, they will rely on that same resilience to change the narrative.

Preparations are already underway as the team looks to improve its squad and build the year's momentum. The African flag will undoubtedly be flown high, with the continent well represented in Lausanne, Switzerland.

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[Imagery and Photography Courtesy of FIBA]