Côte d’Ivoire Advances to Quarterfinals with Emotional 82-74 Victory Over Angola

In front of a pulsating home crowd in Abidjan, the Côte d’Ivoire Elephants delivered a performance to remember, outlasting Angola 82-74 in a gripping contest that booked them a spot in the quarterfinals.

With an electric atmosphere created by 3,332 fans—including the country’s Minister of Sports, who not only led cheers but also celebrated with a dance on the court—the Ivorians proved they are a team on a mission. Now sitting at 2-0 after a solid opening win against Egypt (75-63), the Elephants are showing signs of a team ready to go far in this tournament.

This match, however, was no leisurely cruise. Despite building an early nine-point advantage in the first quarter (18-9), the Ivorians had to withstand a determined Angolan comeback. Angola clawed back to trail by just one (21-20) before American-born Ivorian Ameryst Alston hit back-to-back three-pointers that helped restore control.

Côte d’Ivoire surged ahead in the early minutes of the second quarter, stretching the lead to 34-22. But Angola, refusing to back down, found a rhythm attacking the paint and managed to balance the quarter 19-19. At halftime, the hosts held a 46-39 lead.

The game’s real drama unfolded in the third quarter. Angola’s duo of Italee Lucas and Alexia Dizeko sparked a temporary turnaround, combining for 14 points within the opening five minutes to briefly steal a 53-52 lead. However, Côte d’Ivoire responded with composure. Amma Maria Ouraga’s clutch three-pointer and a smooth jumper from Kariata Diaby gave the Elephants a narrow edge, 64-61, going into the final frame.

From there, Côte d’Ivoire took full control. The fourth quarter belonged to them—closing it out 18-13—thanks in large part to Molly Kaiser’s dominant showing. The Liberian-born point guard dropped 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting and added 11 assists, registering a crucial double-double. She also converted seven of her eight free throw attempts, keeping the scoreboard ticking in tense moments.

Alston was equally impressive, finishing with 19 points on a sharp 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Her early accuracy from deep set the tone, and she maintained composure when it mattered most. As a team, Côte d’Ivoire’s ability to capitalize on fast break opportunities (17 points to Angola’s 9) proved pivotal.

Despite Angola’s bench contributing 19 points in the first half compared to just three from the Ivorians, the hosts’ second-half intensity shifted the balance. Angola remained efficient from the free throw line (finishing 22-of-29), but fatigue became a factor, especially in the final quarter.

Post-game, Ivorian center Kariata Diaby summed up the emotion: “Tonight, we took a big step toward achieving our dream. We made it to the quarterfinals, and I am really proud of my team. Everyone contributed and brought lots of energy.”

On the opposing side, Dizeko stayed positive, saying, “It’s all right. We still have a chance, and we’ll try to win the next game. We win together, and we lose together.”

With this win, Côte d’Ivoire has already improved on their eleventh-place finish from the previous tournament in Kigali. They now enjoy two well-earned days of rest before preparing for their next challenge. As for Angola, they will be desperate to avoid a repeat of 2023’s early exit at the hands of Guinea.

In a match filled with passion, resilience, and electric home support, Côte d’Ivoire proved they have both the talent and determination to make a serious run in this competition.