The semifinal of the Afrobasket men’s tournament, pitting Angola against Cameroon, ended with a narrow victory for Angola, the host country (74-73). In the final, Angola will face Mali. Cameroon will play for 3rd place against Senegal.
In a thrilling semifinal on August 23, Angola, the host of the Men’s Afrobasket, managed to upset Cameroon with a score of (table) 74-73. A victory on the wire that allows the Palancas Negras to return to the final court, 10 years later.
I would like to congratulate all the players for their efforts and the entire nation, because this country has been waiting for this moment for a long time and it is not just the basketball community that is following the team. This support that we have felt from the beginning has a lot to do with our victory. We have shown that Angola is back on the international scene and I think this generation will bring a lot of success in the future.
José Claros Canals , Palancas Negras’ coach
The tenacity and collective effort of the Angolan team made the difference in this semifinal. The turning point came in the last minute, when Cameroon was leading 71-69. Aboubakar Gakou intercepted a pass from Williams Narace before serving Childe Dundao, who scored a decisive game-winning shot. Unfortunately for Cameroon, a crucial turnover at the end of the fourth quarter sealed the fate of the Indomitable Lions.
I feel very happy and proud to be in the final. It wasn’t easy, but thank God we are now in the final.
Milton Bandé Valente, Small Forward – Angola
The Palancas Negras, who are returning to the final and aiming for their 12th continental title, will face the Aigles du Mali on August 24. The small final for the bronze medal will therefore pit the Indomitable Lions of
