The final four of the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026 delivered two highly competitive semifinals on Saturday at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan. When the dust settled, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal secured their places in the championship game, setting up a highly anticipated final on Sunday.
The two finalists have also secured qualification for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027.
Côte d’Ivoire Reach the Final on Home Soil
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Côte d’Ivoire overcame Cameroon 62-57 in a tense semifinal to reach the U18 AfroBasket final for the first time since 2012.
The Elephanteaux made a strong start, controlling the opening quarter 16-10. Cameroon responded in the second period, using an 11-3 run to briefly take control of the game. Côte d’Ivoire nevertheless went into halftime with a narrow 35-32 lead.
The third quarter proved decisive. Two three-pointers from Karl-Randell Kouame-Zeze helped Côte d’Ivoire build a double-digit advantage before Cameroon fought back again. The hosts entered the final period leading 52-47.
The closing minutes were particularly dramatic. After picking up his fourth foul, Nathan Djako returned with five minutes remaining and immediately made a crucial three-pointer. Kouame-Zeze then added another basket to put Côte d’Ivoire ahead 59-53.
Cameroon reduced the deficit to just two points, 59-57, with 50 seconds remaining, but the hosts remained composed. A crucial defensive play by Kouame-Zeze followed by two free throws with 4.3 seconds left sealed the historic victory.
Nathan Djako led all scorers with 17 points, while Kouame-Zeze finished with 11. For Cameroon, Joachim Barthelemy Basson contributed 11 points and five rebounds.
The victory sends Côte d’Ivoire into the continental final in front of their home supporters, with the opportunity to claim a historic title.
Senegal Knock Out Defending Champions Mali
In the other semifinal, Senegal produced one of the biggest results of the tournament, defeating defending champions Mali 55-51.
Senegal came out aggressively, opening the game with an 8-0 run and immediately putting Mali under pressure. Their defensive intensity limited the reigning champions offensively, allowing Senegal to take a 23-13 lead after the first quarter.
The Senegalese continued to control the game in the second period and entered halftime with a 13-point advantage, 34-21.
Mali refused to surrender. The defending champions gradually chipped away at Senegal's lead in the second half, eventually reducing the deficit to just three points at 54-51 after a three-pointer from Sekou Bagayoko with 23 seconds remaining.
Senegal held their nerve in the final seconds. A free throw from Pape Diallo helped secure the victory and sent Senegal through to the championship game.
Sekou Bagayoko and Pape Diallo led Senegal with 11 and 10 points respectively, while Bacary Badiane added 11 points and seven rebounds. Captain Code Mbengue dominated the glass with 17 rebounds, alongside nine points.
For Mali, Mohamed Keita led all scorers with 16 points, while Bagayoko and Mouhamed Sanogo finished with 11 and 10 points respectively.
The result ends Mali's title defense and gives Senegal a chance to capture the continental crown.
Côte d’Ivoire vs Senegal: A Final to Remember
The stage is now set for a major showdown in Abidjan.
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire vs Senegal 🇸🇳
For Côte d’Ivoire, the final represents a historic opportunity to win the continental title on home soil. After an unbeaten run through the tournament and a dramatic semifinal victory over Cameroon, the Elephanteaux will have the support of a packed Palais des Sports behind them.
For Senegal, eliminating the defending champions gives the team tremendous momentum heading into the final. They will now look to complete their campaign by lifting the trophy.
Sunday’s Final-Day Schedule
🥉 Third-Place Game
🇲🇱 Mali vs Cameroon 🇨🇲
🏆 FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026 Final
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire vs Senegal 🇸🇳
The championship will be decided in Abidjan, with two of Africa's most promising U18 teams battling for continental supremacy.
One final game. One trophy. One new African champion.