Central African neighbours Angola and DR Congo produced a one-sided battle, with the Leopards fighting desperately for a crucial win while Angola moved closer to another World Cup appearance. Superior ball control, defensive intensity and balanced scoring powered the defending AfroBasket champions to a commanding 100-68 victory in convincing fashion.
Last Updated on
August 28, 2026
The two central African neighbours got of to an electrifying start. The reigning AfroBasket MVP, Childe Dundao, opened the game with a three-pointer for Angola. That shot opened the floodgates for one of the most electrifying starts in a long time. Shekinah Munanga drained a three-pointer to get the Leopards on the board. Immediately, Gakou drained a three for Angola. Then, Mathieu Kamba complemented Munanga with a three of his own. The energy in the building was overwhelming.
Angola went on a 7-0 run that was capped by another Dundao three-pointer. The Leopards did not sit idle as they went on a 4-0 run to stay within striking distance. The pendulum swung again in Angola's favor as they also went 4-0. Both runs were prompted by negligent ball handling from both teams that led to fast break points. Munanga and Kamba then added four points for the Leopards as they seemed to gather the much needed momentum. However, Dundao spoiled the party with a three- point play that he executed to his best.
With Angola leading 22-17, Gakou added another three-pointer to extend the reigning AfroBasket champions’ advantage. Congo responded in dramatic fashion, as Mathieu Kamba buried a three with just three seconds remaining to beat the buzzer. Angola nevertheless took a 25-20 lead into halftime.
It was in the second quarter that Angola began pulling away as they managed to settle into the game. Gerson Goncalves opened the scoring after a quiet first minute with a lay up. Elijah Lufile then followed up with one for Congo. From there, it went downhill for the Leopards. Angola went on a 16-0 run. This was sparked by slow defensive cohesion from the Congolese side as Angola made a few trips to the foul line. The scoring surge featured a pair of three-pointers from Gakou, including one converted on the fast break, while Goncalves also connected from beyond the arc.
Mathieu Kamba ended Angola’s scoring burst with a jump shot, cutting the deficit to under 20 points. With the DRC already in the penalty, Dimitri Maconda drew a foul and calmly converted both free throws. Damian Baugh then shifted from playmaking to scoring, knocking down a three-pointer to reignite Congo’s hopes. After a scoring drought on both sides, Baugh struck again from deep, reducing the gap to 18. But Angola remained firmly in control, adding three more points before the halftime buzzer to take a commanding 51-30 lead into the break.
Damian Baugh maintained his offensive impact in the third quarter, opening the period with a three-pointer. After a quiet second quarter, Dundao got back on the scoresheet with a fast-break layup. Selton Miguel, who helped create the transition opportunity, then came up with a steal and finished another fast break of his own. Congo managed to find points in short bursts, disrupting Angola’s offensive rhythm despite the champions firing on all cylinders. However, their careless ball handling continued to cost them dearly. Angola capitalized once again, with Miguel turning another turnover into a fast-break score.
Munanga then scored another three to keep the fire going for the Leopards, but Angola had an answer for all the offensives from Congo. Gerson Goncalves shot another three that deflated the Congolese side who were gathering some momentum and finding a way back into this game. Damian Baugh and Flo Thamba added a few points but it was Clesio Castro who had the final say with a thunderous, two-handed slam to beat the buzzer. Angola was now 20 points clear at 69-49 to close off the third.
Angola showed no signs of slowing down in the final quarter, opening the period with an 8-0 run. Every point came from Congo turnovers, as the reigning champions ruthlessly converted their opponents’ mistakes into easy scoring opportunities. Flo Thamba finally ended Congo’s three-minute scoring drought, but Angola had already established control. The game then settled into a more balanced rhythm, with both teams exchanging baskets. However, Congo’s struggles with ball security persisted, repeatedly giving Angola chances to run in transition. Dimitri Maconda was among the biggest beneficiaries, turning the turnovers into a series of impressive fast-break plays as Angola maintained its advantage.
Jonathan Kasibabu briefly reignited Congo’s hopes with a three-pointer, signaling that the Leopards were not ready to surrender. Angola, however, quickly restored its dominance as Gakou drained back-to-back triples to stretch the lead to 34 points. With the scoreboard reading 97-65, Gerson Gonçalves delivered the decisive blow, knocking down a dagger three-pointer to push Angola into triple figures. Mathieu Kamba responded with a late three for Congo in a final display of pride, but the night belonged to the Angolans. Angola completed a commanding 100-68 victory, taking another important step in their pursuit of a place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Congolese coach Gaëtan Douet, standing in for Michel Perrin, will be disappointed by his team’s 27 turnovers and the 18 offensive rebounds conceded to Angola. Still, there were encouraging signs, with several players reaching double figures and the Leopards displaying variety in their scoring.
For Angola, the positives were even more evident. Their defensive intensity, ability to push the pace and disciplined half-court execution provided a strong foundation. Just as importantly, the reigning champions received valuable contributions across the roster. Gakou was particularly efficient, scoring 18 points in only 19 minutes and finishing as one of five Angolan players in double figures.
[Photography and Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
