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English Senegal Survive Angola Thriller to Keep World Cup Qualifying Campaign on Track
DIAMNIADIO, Senegal — Senegal survived a nerve-shredding battle with Angola on Saturday night, edging their visitors 84–82 at Dakar Arena in a game that refused to settle until the final moments. For 40 minutes, there was almost nothing between the two sides.
Angola came into the contest with purpose and quickly made it clear that Senegal would not be allowed to dictate the evening. The visitors took an 11–7 lead early and finished the opening quarter ahead 20–18. Senegal had moments of their own, but Angola repeatedly found answers. By halftime, the Angolans were still in front, 46–43, leaving the home crowd with plenty to worry about.
The atmosphere inside Dakar Arena reflected the tension on the court. Every Senegalese run was met with a surge from the stands, only for Angola to respond and silence the momentum. Neither team could create the kind of separation that would bring comfort. Then came the third quarter. Senegal came out with greater urgency, attacking with more conviction and refusing to let Angola dictate the rhythm. But the visitors would not disappear. The lead changed hands, possessions became increasingly valuable, and with five minutes remaining in the quarter the game had effectively become a possession-by-possession fight.
At the end of three quarters, 63–63. Everything was suddenly reset. The final quarter carried the feel of a knockout game. Senegal pushed forward, Angola answered. A Senegal basket was followed by an Angolan response. There was no room for mistakes, and every missed opportunity felt magnified. Senegal eventually managed to edge ahead, but Angola stayed within striking distance throughout the closing minutes. The visitors finished the fourth quarter strongly, yet Senegal held their nerve when it mattered most, winning the final period 21–19 and securing the two-point victory.
Brancou Badio was once again central to Senegal’s offensive effort, finishing with 24 points, including three three-pointers. His ability to create shots and carry responsibility in difficult moments gave Senegal an important outlet whenever the game became stagnant. But this was far from a one-man victory. Antoumane Diagne was hugely efficient, contributing 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while Mbaye Ndiaye added 11. Jean-Jacques Boissy chipped in 9 points, including a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line, and Moustapha Diop finished with 9.
Senegal’s efficiency from the field ultimately helped them survive. They shot 51.8% overall, while also getting important contributions on the glass, where they collected 46 rebounds.Angola, however, deserve enormous credit for pushing Senegal to the limit.
Selton Miguel produced one of the night’s outstanding individual performances, pouring in 28 points and connecting on 5-of-6 from three-point range. Childe Dundao added 12. Angola received contributions from several players as they repeatedly found ways to stay alive. The numbers tell part of the story, but they do not fully capture what unfolded at Dakar Arena.
This was a game defined by pressure, momentum swings and composure. Senegal had opportunities to pull away and Angola had opportunities to steal it. Neither side blinked for long. And when the final buzzer finally sounded, it was Senegal who could breathe. 84–82. Two points.That was the entire difference between Senegal celebrating in front of their home supporters and Angola walking away wondering how close they had come to completing the upset.
For Senegal, the most important thing was simple: the win. But the manner of it also served as a reminder that the road to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup will not be forgiving. Angola showed they can match Senegal’s physicality, execution and intensity for long stretches. Senegal now move forward with another valuable result, but after a night like this, they will know there is little room for complacency.
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