Côte d’Ivoire Edge Angola in a Thrilling Group B Showdown to Reach Quarter-Finals

The earlier Group B clash between Angola and Côte d’Ivoire at the continental championship delivered all the drama basketball fans could ask for. In a tense and low-scoring battle, Côte d’Ivoire overcame Angola 54–51 to book their ticket to the quarter-finals. What began as a contest seemingly tilted in Angola’s favor turned into a showcase of resilience, defensive adjustments, and clutch performances from the Ivorians.

From the opening tip, Angola looked like the more assertive team. Their energy levels were high, and they established an early lead through the tireless efforts of Benilde Cauco. The forward dominated both ends of the floor, racking up 16 points and pulling down a commanding 18 rebounds. Her presence in the paint frustrated the Ivorians and gave Angola momentum heading into the second quarter. At halftime, Angola seemed in control, dictating tempo and playing with confidence.

Nevertheless, basketball games often hinge on momentum shifts, and Côte d’Ivoire found theirs late in the third quarter. The catalyst came in the form of Gnaman Ella Koné, introduced from the bench at a crucial stage. Her energy and scoring touch instantly lifted the Ivorians. Koné went on to score 12 points, highlighted by a critical basket that capped a decisive 17–6 run. That surge transformed the complexion of the contest, handing Côte d’Ivoire a slender 37–35 advantage heading into the final quarter.

From then on, it was all about nerve and execution. Côte d’Ivoire clung to their slim lead but faced relentless pressure from Angola. Every possession mattered, and the Ivorians leaned heavily on their defensive intensity to contain Angola’s scorers. Jane Mary Diomande emerged as another key figure, battling inside to provide the balance Côte d’Ivoire desperately needed. She finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, giving her side both stability and an offensive spark at critical junctures.

Still, Angola refused to fade. With Cauco leading the charge, they mounted a late rally that had the Ivorians on edge. The Southern Africans trimmed the deficit to just three points in the dying seconds, setting up a tense finish. However, with only two ticks left on the clock, Côte d’Ivoire’s victory was beyond doubt, sealing an emotional triumph and a place in the quarter-finals.

After the game, head coach Thomas Hilaire Thano N’Da credited his side’s defensive adjustments for turning the tide.

“We tried to neutralize their shooters by doubling them up. Our bigs also played well. That strategy forced them into making mistakes and missing shots,” he explained. His satisfaction was evident, though he remained cautious about looking too far ahead. “We are happy with the win, but we have to put it behind us and prepare for the next game.”

In the end, Côte d’Ivoire’s 54–51 victory was another prime example of the fine margins that often define tournament basketball. Angola’s strong start and Cauco’s brilliance were not enough to withstand the Ivorians’ resilience, bench impact, and clutch defense. For Côte d’Ivoire, the challenge only grows steeper from here—but their performance in this dramatic Group B encounter proved they have both the fight and the composure to contend with anyone.

[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]