The recently concluded 2024 U18 AfroBasket in South Africa was a successful tournament that showcased the talent and potential of young African basketball players. Mali's dominance, Egypt's unexpected absence from the Semi-Finals, the emergence of newcomers, and the performances of returning teams all contributed to a memorable event.
Last Updated on
September 29, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
The recently concluded 2024 U18 AfroBasket in South Africa was a successful tournament that showcased the talent and potential of young African basketball players. Mali's dominance, Egypt's unexpected absence from the Semi-Finals, the emergence of newcomers, and the performances of returning teams all contributed to a memorable event. Here are some takeaways from this event.
Mali emerged as the undisputed champions in both the men's and women's U18 AfroBasket. Their dominance was evident throughout the tournaments, as they showcased exceptional teamwork, skill, and determination. The Malian men's team, led by the talented MVP Youssouf Mamba Traoré, displayed a balanced offense and a strong defensive presence. Similarly, Mali's women's team, featuring the likes of MVP Oummou Koumare, showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Mali's success highlights their strong basketball development programs and the abundance of talent within their nation.
One of the most surprising outcomes of the U18 AfroBasket was Egypt's failure to reach the semi-finals for the first time in several years. Traditionally a powerhouse in African basketball, Egypt's absence from the final four was a significant upset. Do these setbacks call into question the quality of the training provided by the Egyptian school? No, at least not for the moment. But we can be sure that the Egyptians will come back stronger from this disappointment.
The U18 AfroBasket provided an opportunity for several newcomers to make their mark on the continental stage. Teams like Zambia, Cameroon and Morocco finished with very honorable results. Cameroon’s U18 women’s team finished third on their debut. Similarly, Morocco's women’s team finished 9th in their maiden appearance.
On the other hand, Zambia’s Cholwe Simubali, though on the losing side, is a name to look out for in the future as she finished with double digits to her credit in three of her five games.
On the men’s side, Cameroon displayed great resilience and discipline. For their maiden appearance at the U18 AfroBasket, they made small case of Morocco’s ambitions and qualified for their first-ever FIBA U19 World Cup, slated for next year in Switzerland. Proof of the immense talent pool of the Central African nation is Amadou Seini, who scored five double-doubles in six games.
It is safe to say that returning teams have exceeded expectations, showing some progress along the way. The best example here could be Nigeria. The J’Tigresses’ last appearance goes back to 2008. Questions about their form arose and they shut down every critic by making their way to the Final, scoring a 3-3 run along the way. They sent a clear message during the Qualifiers, but it seemed no-one heeded their call. They left South Africa with a ticket to the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in their luggage.
As a relatively small basketball nation, Uganda's presence in the tournament is a testament to their growing development and commitment to developing the sport. The women’s team is one to be followed in the years to come. While they finished fifth in 2022 in Madagascar, they climbed up the ranks and were just outside of the podium this time. A talented roster, led by Resty Nanangwe and Immaculate Adongpiny, among others, ensured that the Junior Gazelles delivered the goods when needed.
The U18 AfroBasket was not without its share of upsets. In the women’s tournament, Cameroon and Nigeria made it past Angola and Egypt to make it to the Semi-Finals. The Central Africans beat Angola 65-63 while Nigeria who were coming back to the U18 Women's AfroBasket since 2008 upset Egypt 66-51. While looking at Angola's and Egypt's pedigree, no one would have bet a dime on Cameroon and Nigeria.
Same for Senegal, that was up against Egypt for a spot in the Semi-Finals. They took out reigning champions Egypt in a tense, nail-biting game and they lived up to the expectations with a podium finish. Just like Cameroon, who saw off Morocco in the Semi-Finals and went on to claim a silver medal in South Africa.
South Africa has gleaned some valuable lessons during this U18 AfroBasket. While they were awarded with the hosting rights of the tournament, rumors about it being cancelled surfaced, forcing FIBA Africa to show up with a communique stating that the tournament would still be held there.
Sportingly, they still need to level up as both the men’s and women’s teams failed to provide impressive results for a tournament that was staged on their home courts.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
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