ABIDJAN — Côte d’Ivoire has finally reached the summit of African U18 basketball. Playing in front of their home crowd, the Elephanteaux defeated Senegal 73–51 in the final of the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026 to claim a historic continental title. Earlier in the day, Cameroon secured the bronze medal after edging Mali 73–69 in a thrilling third-place game.
Côte d’Ivoire end decades of waiting
In front of a packed Palais des Sports de Treichville, Côte d’Ivoire produced a commanding performance to capture their first U18 AfroBasket title.
The hosts immediately set the tone, taking control early and closing the opening quarter with a 16–7 lead. Senegal tried to fight back in the second period, but Côte d’Ivoire remained composed and went into halftime with a 34–24 advantage.
The third quarter proved decisive.
Côte d’Ivoire accelerated after the break, with Nathan Djako knocking down back-to-back three-pointers as the hosts extended their advantage. By the end of the third quarter, Côte d’Ivoire had built a commanding 55–34 lead.
There was no way back for Senegal in the final period. Côte d’Ivoire continued to control the game and eventually completed a convincing 73–51 victory.
Djako led the way with 22 points and was rewarded with the MVP award for the tournament. Jean-Philippe Oka added 13 points, while Jason Ake contributed seven assists and nine rebounds.
Even more impressively, the Elephanteaux completed the tournament with a perfect 6–0 record.
Cameroon fight back to claim bronze
Before the championship game, Cameroon and Mali battled for third place in an intense contest that went down to the wire.
Cameroon came out firing, opening the game with a 13–2 run and quickly establishing control. Mali responded, however, cutting the deficit to six points by the end of the first quarter.
The Cameroonians maintained their advantage through the middle stages of the game and appeared to be heading comfortably toward the podium.
But Mali refused to surrender.
Trailing by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter, the Aiglons launched a spectacular comeback. Ibourahima Coulibaly, Sambala Sissoko and Alassane Doucoure helped bring Mali back into contention, and with just over six minutes remaining, Cameroon led by only two points, 64–62.
Mali eventually moved ahead for the first time after a three-pointer from Sissoko.
Cameroon, however, responded when it mattered most. Daryl Baya and Felix Deumi made key plays down the stretch, allowing the Central African side to regain control and close out a hard-fought 73–69 victory.
James Minlend once again led Cameroon, finishing with 23 points, while Norlan Ngangmeni added 13. Ronny Ewanke delivered an all-around performance with 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
For Mali, Mohamed Keita scored 14 points, while Aboubacar Konaté contributed 11. Despite their late comeback, the defending African powerhouse could not complete the turnaround.
A new chapter for African youth basketball
The final standings underline the changing landscape of African youth basketball.
Côte d’Ivoire have gone from hosting the tournament to lifting the trophy. Senegal leave Abidjan with the silver medal, while Cameroon add a bronze medal to their impressive emergence on the continental stage.
For the Elephanteaux, however, this edition will be remembered for much more than a championship.