The FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026 has reached its final four. After an exciting quarterfinal stage at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, the four remaining teams will battle this Saturday, August 15, for a place in the continental final.
Mali will face Senegal at 3:00 PM GMT, before hosts Côte d’Ivoire take on Cameroon at 6:00 PM GMT in what promises to be a thrilling evening in Abidjan.
Mali vs Senegal: The defending champions face an ambitious Senegal
The Mali U18 team continues its title defense with authority. The defending champions booked their place in the semifinals after defeating Tunisia 66–55 in the quarterfinals.
After a closely contested first half, Mali took control in the third quarter with an aggressive defensive performance. Tunisia managed just 8 points during the period, while Mali scored 23 to establish a decisive advantage.
Mohamed Keita and Mahamadou Sylla led Mali with 12 points apiece.
The result also extends Mali's remarkable consistency at this level, with the defending champions once again reaching the semifinals of the U18 AfroBasket.
Standing in their way is a Senegal team that has shown both athleticism and defensive discipline. Senegal defeated Madagascar 54–40 in the quarterfinals, controlling the game from the opening minutes and limiting Madagascar's offensive opportunities.
Captain Code Mbengue delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Moussa Diallo added 11 points, while Bara Danfakha contributed 10.
Senegal will now look to take another step toward the title against a Mali side that knows how to handle the pressure of the biggest continental games.
Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon: A highly anticipated semifinal
The second semifinal promises to be one of the most anticipated games of the tournament. Côte d’Ivoire, backed by its home crowd, will face Cameroon, a team with a strong tradition at the continental level.
The Elephanteaux secured their place in the last four after defeating Egypt 67–57 in the quarterfinals.
Côte d’Ivoire built a strong advantage during the game and managed to withstand Egypt's late comeback attempt. The hosts remained composed when the pressure increased and eventually closed out the victory.
Nathan Djako and Bryan N’goli led Côte d’Ivoire with 12 points each.
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Côte d’Ivoire will now have the opportunity to reach the AfroBasket U18 final on home soil.
Cameroon looking to impose its physicality
Cameroon earned its semifinal ticket with a convincing 77–49 victory over Chad, after overcoming a difficult start.
Chad came out aggressively and initially caused problems for the Cameroonian defense, but Cameroon gradually took control of the game and turned its defensive pressure into transition opportunities.
The interior duo of Ronny Ewanke and Daryl Baya played a major role in the victory, with both players finishing with 18 points. James Minlend added 12 points.
Cameroon's ability to increase its defensive intensity as the game progressed proved decisive, particularly in the final quarter.
The semifinal against Côte d’Ivoire will therefore be a major test for both teams: the hosts will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage, while Cameroon will rely on its physicality and defensive pressure.
Two semifinal battles, two tickets to the final
The final four brings together four teams with legitimate championship ambitions.
Mali wants to continue its dominance and defend its title. Senegal is looking to take the next step and reach the final.
On the other side of the bracket, Côte d’Ivoire will have the advantage of playing in front of its home supporters, while Cameroon will attempt to overcome the hosts and secure its place in the championship game.