Guinea Edges Angola in Nail-Biting 66-65 Victory in 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers

Guinea Edges Angola in Nail-Biting 66-65 Victory in 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers

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In a thrilling contest at the Grand Hall in Libya, Guinea secured a hard-fought 66-65 victory over Angola in the 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Qualifiers. Despite struggling from beyond the arc and generating fewer steals than their opponents, Guinea held their nerve in the final moments to escape with a crucial win.

From the opening tip, it was evident that this would be a closely contested battle. Guinea set the tone early, outscoring Angola 22-17 in the first quarter. Their ability to move the ball effectively and find quality shots helped them establish an early rhythm. Angola, however, responded in the second quarter with a strong defensive effort, forcing Guinea into tough possessions and capitalizing on turnovers. The Angolans held Guinea to just 12 points in the period while adding 16 of their own, cutting the deficit to a single point at halftime, 34-33.

As the third quarter began, Guinea adjusted well and managed to regain control of the game. With Angola momentarily taking the lead for a brief three-minute stretch, Guinea responded by executing well on both ends of the floor. Their ball movement and ability to convert opportunities kept them ahead, as they edged the quarter 19-17 to enter the final frame with a narrow 53-50 advantage.

Angola’s relentless defensive pressure kept them within striking distance throughout the fourth quarter. Their 13 total steals allowed them to generate transition offense, and they capitalized by scoring 15 points off turnovers. However, their efficiency on the offensive end was lacking. Shooting just 16.7% from three-point range, Angola struggled to convert from distance, making it difficult to sustain momentum.

Despite Angola’s defensive intensity and a determined fourth-quarter push, Guinea found ways to hold on. Angola won the quarter 15-13, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit. Ousmane Drame proved to be the difference-maker for Guinea, delivering an outstanding performance with 17 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. His presence in crucial moments and Guinea’s team-oriented approach ensured they secured the one-point win.

Guinea’s rebounding dominance played a pivotal role in their victory. Outrebounding Angola 45-34, they were able to limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents while creating extra possessions of their own. Additionally, their ability to run in transition proved vital, as they outscored Angola 18-10 in fast-break points.

While Angola dominated the paint, scoring 36 points inside compared to Guinea’s 18, their inefficiency from deep and struggles at the free-throw line (63.6%) ultimately hurt them. Despite only shooting 32.3% from beyond the arc, Guinea did just enough offensively to stay ahead.

Both teams received significant contributions from their bench, with Guinea’s reserves scoring 38 points and Angola’s adding 33. However, it was Guinea’s ability to control the game for most of the 40 minutes—holding the lead for a total of 34 minutes and 18 seconds—that proved decisive.

With only six lead changes throughout the game, Guinea demonstrated composure when it mattered most. Their discipline, ball movement (18 assists compared to Angola’s 17), and rebounding advantage were key factors in securing the win.

This loss will be tough for Angola to digest. Their defensive effort kept them within reach, but their inefficiency in perimeter shooting and difficulties capitalizing on crucial offensive possessions proved costly. Though they forced turnovers and converted them into points, their inability to consistently execute in the half-court offense was evident.
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Guinea’s victory in such a tightly contested game is a testament to their resilience. They may not have had the most efficient night shooting, but their ability to control key aspects of the game—particularly rebounding and transition play—earned them a well-deserved win.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]