Senegal’s Lions aim to maintain their perfect record in the final AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers window. With head coach DeSagana Diop absent, assistant Pabi Gueye leads a familiar 12-man squad as they seek redemption against Cameroon.
Last Updated on
February 17, 2025
After a flawless performance in the second window of the qualifiers last November in Dakar, Senegal’s Lions are determined to replicate their success and secure their ticket to Afrobasket 2024 in Angola. During that phase, they asserted their dominance with convincing wins over Gabon, Rwanda (81-58), and Cameroon (87-83), proving their strength on the court. The mission remains clear as the third and final window approaches: maintain their winning momentum.
“Our goal is to go three-for-three again this time, even though just one win would be enough to seal our qualification for Angola,” said Senegal’s assistant coach, Pabi Gueye.
He will take on a crucial role in the absence of head coach DeSagana Diop, who will be unavailable for this phase. Currently coaching the Westchester Knicks in the G-League, Diop will follow his team’s performances from afar, leaving his assistant in charge of this decisive stage. On February 7, Mamadou Gueye Pabi announced a 12-man squad—identical to the one from the second window. This choice was deliberate, favoring continuity and team chemistry.
“The group knows each other well and has built a strong bond. We wanted to maintain that momentum and cohesion, which have been key to our success so far,” he explained.
In Rabat, Senegal’s squad will feature a mix of experienced players and rising talents. The playmaking duties will again fall on the dynamic duo of Jean Jacques Boissy and Brancou Badou.
Boissy currently plays for Urunani (Burundi) and recently showcased his skills in the Basketball Africa League with Rwanda’s REG. Meanwhile, Youssoupha Ndoye remains dominant in the paint, providing strength and presence under the basket.
Veterans like Lamine Sambe and Babacar Sané will also be key contributors, bringing leadership and offensive firepower. On the younger side, Ousmane Ndiaye has earned a spot on the roster after an impressive run at the U18 African Championship, where he helped his team secure third place.
“He brings youthful energy and can be a real asset for us from beyond the arc,” noted Pabi, emphasizing the importance of expanding the team’s shooting options.
While Senegal’s qualification for Afrobasket in Angola seems almost a formality, another major challenge is on their minds: beating Cameroon. In the last Olympic qualifiers, Cameroon was the team that ended Senegal’s hopes of competing for a spot in Paris 2024—a painful defeat that the Lions haven’t forgotten.
This time, in Rabat, it’s about more than just qualification; it’s about making a statement. A victory over Cameroon would secure their spot and reinforce their status as a continental powerhouse. With bigger goals ahead, the Lions are ready to take on the challenge and prove they belong among Africa’s elite.
Now, all eyes turn to the court. The stage is set—the Lions are ready to roar.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
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