Egypt
The Egypt team, which competes in the Zone 5 region against countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Rwanda, received a wildcard for the Women’s FIBA AfroBasketball games at the beginning of this month. The team finished in second place, losing to Uganda in the finals. The zonal competitions, which are Zones 1 through 7, each guarantee only one ticket to the biggest stage, as this represents the highest level of women’s basketball on the continent. The various zone winners will join the other teams that have already secured tickets to the tournament based on performances from the previous tournament.
In the 2023 tournament, Nigeria was crowned champion, followed by Senegal (silver), Mali (bronze), and Rwanda in fourth place. The host country is also guaranteed a ticket to this year’s games, which will take place in Côte d’Ivoire in August. In addition to these five teams, the three winners from each region will join to make a total of eight teams. This year, the regional winners are Uganda (Zone 5), Angola (Zone 6), and Cameroon (Zone 4). Twelve teams are required for the tournament preparations, such as drawing the groups. This leaves four wildcard tickets to be distributed.
If Egypt is not granted the wild card, this would mark the first time they have missed the tournament in the past six editions (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023). At the tournament, Egypt has won two gold medals (1966, 1968), two silver medals (1970, 1977), and one bronze medal (1974).
During the Zone 5 games, Egypt lost only one match, which was the fiercely contested final against the Uganda Gazelles. Although they did not win the Zone championship, the Egyptians will be a formidable force and could surprise many teams at the games. Egypt secured its spot in the games as the ninth team.
Mozambique
Mozambique was granted a wildcard alongside Egypt. Only two teams participated in this year’s tournament: Mozambique and Angola. They competed in a two-game series, and qualification was determined by the total aggregate points accumulated from each game. Mozambique won the first game (50-44) but unfortunately lost the second game (65-58). The total aggregate was (108-109), which meant they missed their chance to advance to the big stage. Mozambique joined the nine teams to become the 10th team to compete in the AfroBasketball games.
If Mozambique had not received the wild card, this would be the first time in 12 years that it would miss the games (2000-2023 ). The team has won three silver medals and three bronze medals at the tournament.
South Sudan
This surprised many basketball fans, as South Sudan finished in third place, and wildcard tickets are often awarded to the second team at the Zone Tournament or to the host country. South Sudan becomes the 11th team to secure a spot at the games, leaving only one place open. Undeniably, the SSD team had a spectacular performance this year compared to the previous two Zone 5 Qualifier tournaments in which it had participated. This will be its first time at the games. The country, along with its new coach Alberto Antuña, aims to make history as newcomers at this continental stage.
AfroBasketball Games
The 2025 Women’s AfroBasketball games will occur in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from July 25 to August 3. The governing body, FIBA Africa, confirmed that it will announce the 12th and final wild card in early April, as the tournament draw is scheduled for April 23.
