Team Profile: Egypt reached the pinnacle of their AfroBasket history in 1975 and 1983, clinching the prestigious African champions title. They also secured second place in 2013 and fourth place in 2007. Now, the question remains: can they reclaim their former glory and ascend to the top again?
Last Updated on
February 20, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
Egypt’s success at the AfroBasket is undeniable. They reached the pinnacle of their history at FIBA Africa’s flagship event in 1975 and 1983, when they claimed the coveted African champions title. Moreover, their basketball prowess extended beyond continental boundaries, with Egypt earning European champions status in 1949 under the banner of the United Arab Republic.
Egypt's basketball success is built upon its youth programs, widely regarded as the most dynamic and thriving on the African continent. Egyptian youth teams have clinched two FIBA U18 African Championships in the past decade alone, showcasing the country's commitment to developing and nurturing talent.
Remarkably, over half of the regular members of the senior national team have honed their skills and gained valuable experience representing Egypt at the youth level. This speaks volumes about the effectiveness of Egypt's youth development pathway.
Analyzing Egypt's participation in the last ten AfroBasket tournaments shows a strong presence in the Semi-Finals, reaching this stage six times. Noteworthy achievements include a runner-up finish in 2013 and three third-place accolades in 1999, 2001, and 2003, highlighting the team's consistent competitiveness on the continental stage.
An integral player in the Egyptian roster is Anas Mahmoud, a 7-foot center from Al Ahly Tripoli Sporting Club. Mahmoud has emerged as a key figure in Egyptian basketball, with the 2013 AfroBasket marking a significant moment in his career when he demonstrated his potential at just 18 years old. Since returning to his homeland in 2019, Mahmoud has become a cornerstone for his childhood club, Zamalek and has secured a prominent role in the national team rotation.
Anas Mahmoud's exceptional performances on both ends of the court earned him the prestigious 2021 Basketball Africa League's Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player Award. In the 2021 AfroBasket Qualifiers, Mahmoud showcased his skills by averaging 6.4 rebounds and adding 7.8 points per game. Alongside Ehab Amin, Mahmoud is a crucial asset for the former African champions.
Leading the Egyptian team is head coach Henrik Rödl, who is celebrated for his skilled leadership that guided Germany through the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2021. Rödl's understanding of Egyptian basketball was further strengthened during his time with powerhouse club Al Ittihad in the previous season.
With high expectations, Rödl, armed with his strategic expertise, is determined to steer Egypt to the 2025 AfroBasket. This journey holds the promise of revealing the full potential of this formidable team under his guidance.
Egypt will face off against 2021 runner-up, Cote d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, and Madagascar in Group D, in front of their fans. Can they take advantage of their home court?
[Photo Credit: FIBA]
