The Elephants have made a perfect start to the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026 in Abidjan. Playing in front of their home crowd at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, Côte d’Ivoire won all three of their group-stage games to finish at the top of Group A with a flawless 3-0 record. The impressive start puts the young Ivorian team among the serious contenders for the continental title.
Three Games, Three Wins
Côte d’Ivoire opened their campaign in emphatic fashion with a 104-51 victory over Chad. From the opening minutes, coach Konate Stephane's team set the tone, combining pace, defensive intensity and efficient offense.
Two days later, the Elephants faced Egypt in a game that carried significant importance in the race for first place in the group.
Côte d’Ivoire once again delivered, defeating Egypt 89-62. After a closely contested opening quarter, the hosts gradually took control thanks to their defensive pressure. Côte d’Ivoire recorded 16 steals, dished out 25 assists and dominated the rebounding battle 52-43.
Karl-Randell Kouame-Zeze, who finished with 18 points, and Nathan Djako, with 12 points, were among the players who stepped up in the important matchup, while Jason Ake and Raphael Ouedraogo also made valuable contributions.
The final group game against Nigeria confirmed Côte d’Ivoire's momentum. With another victory, the Elephants completed the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record and 6 points, finishing ahead of Chad, who ended the group stage with two wins and one loss.
Djako and Kouame-Zeze Lead the Way
At the end of the group stage, Nathan Djako has emerged as one of Côte d’Ivoire's leading performers. The Ivorian guard is averaging 18 points per game and leads the team in efficiency with 21.0. He is also Côte d’Ivoire's best player in steals, averaging 3 steals per game.
Karl-Randell Kouame-Zeze has also been a major contributor, averaging 17.3 points and 16.3 efficiency points per game, underlining his importance to the team's offensive production.
Inside the paint, Chris Junior Echui has established himself as an important presence, averaging 8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Jean-Philippe Oka is also making a significant contribution with 9.3 points and 6 rebounds per game.
The team's playmaking has been led by Jason Ake, who is averaging 6 assists per game, while Djako's defensive pressure has provided another important dimension with his 3 steals per game.
Côte d’Ivoire Enter the Knockout Stage With Confidence
With three wins from three games and first place in Group A secured, Côte d’Ivoire now enters the quarterfinals full of confidence.
However, the real challenge begins now. From the knockout stage onward, every game is decisive, and the Elephants will need to maintain the intensity, discipline and collective effort they displayed during the group phase.
Playing on home soil also gives Côte d’Ivoire the advantage of a passionate crowd at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, which has supported this promising generation throughout the tournament.
A World Cup Dream at Stake
Beyond the continental title, the tournament carries another major objective for the young Ivorian players. The FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026 also serves as a pathway to the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027, with the two finalists earning qualification. Côte d’Ivoire are therefore just a few wins away from securing a place at the next FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.