Which Teams are the Top Favorites for the 2025 Afrobasket

- January 21, 2025

POSTED BY: Eurobasket

The 2024 FIBA AfroBasket’s lineup is not to be decided until the third window of the Qualifiers in February. But the top eight teams set to take the floor in Dakar will surely put in a fight. On the top of the list is South Sudan. Although there are rumors that some new teams will make a name for themselves, making the competition even more fun.

Factors we considered in ranking these eight teams include player availability, ability of coaching staff and potential of opposition. This page by our expert author, Evelyn Balyton will discuss the top favorite teams for the 2025 Afrobasket.

Top Teams for the 2025 Afrobasket

South Sudan

The South Sudan team is said to come in full force with Luol Deng, a former NBA All Star and Great Britain international as their top player. His experience and raw talent will be a huge advantage for the team. This will be the country’s second straight appearance in the AfroBasket.

Although some of their 2024 Olympic team members will not be playing, other key players like Nuni Omot and Gabriel Wenyen, Jackson Makoi and Dhieu Abwok Deing will be in the starting line up. This lineup is enough of a threat in any competition. Cheikh Sar even said, South Sudan's rapid ascent in African basketball, culminating in their qualification for the 2024 Olympics, has been widely acknowledged.

Senegal

Senegal lost to DR Congo 62-57 on February 26, 2022 in the same stadium they will be playing this year, Dakar Arena. This was in the first round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers. This defeat has taunted Sanagals since it has, however, it seems they will be coming for a revenge. The Terang Lions plan to utilize this second chance to regain the hearts of their home fans.

Senegal showcased their dominance in the recent qualifiers, finishing with a perfect 3-0 record. They are prepared to face the challenges of Cameroon, Gabon, and Rwanda. The Senegalese are not known for failing twice at home. Judging by their lineup, they definitely have what it takes to get the job done. However, they need to deal with internal issues which suggest that Desagana Diop, their coach may be leaving the team.

Cameroon

Alfred Anita has transformed the Indomitable Lions, making them capable of taking on any team in the tournament. Cameron is the country with the most NBA players in the current season, so you can expect a higher level of professionalism and talent. They would be riding on the waves of their recent achievement of a 4-0 mark in the 2024 Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Many betting experts believe that Cameroon will be a force at Afrobasket, including experts at MightyTips. Especially because of the way they have impressively improved their results. For example, 1xBet has increased the odds on the team. Complete your 1xBet registration from MightyTips , to find out the exact odds on the team.

Their historic win of 77-74 against Brazil in the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament was proof of their improvement. The good news for the Lions is that most players that finished 1-2 in Latvia made it to Dakar and are prepared for the 2025 AfroBasket.

DR Congo

A new member of DR Congo’s coaching staff, Michel Perrin is said to help elevate the team. His acquired 15 years experience in African basketball is found to be a weapon for the team. Perrin has coached Mali, Guinea, the Cameroon’s women's team and the Central African Republic.

Another exciting news for the Leopard ma is the debut of the rising star, Yannick Nzosa, who was one of the youngest to feature in Spain’s ACB at the age of 16. DR Congo pulled off a major upset in the qualifiers by ending South Sudan's winning streak, which had lasted since August 2022.

Mali

Mali is definitely going to be a force to reckon with. Coach Cedric of Garbon even acknowledged that Mali’s national team has been on an upward trajectory. Do you remember the group of Malian teenagers who successfully challenged every team in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World before falling to the US in the final? Well those are who now make up the Mali Team. These players include Siriman Kanoute, twins Fousseyni and Hassan Drame, and Ourmar Ballo. They are now mature and ready to help Mali qualify for the 2025 AfroBasket.

Still on the team is the star player Alhadji Dicko, who masterminded Mali's historic performance. They have one of the toughest line ups. Additionally, Dicko called up Aliou Diarra, the 2023 BAL Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player and seasoned Ibrahim Djambo, who has been donning the Malian jersey for almost a decade.

Challenging Africa's No.1 South Sudan, ambitious Morocco and other top teams on this list will be tough, but it's one Mali can't wait to face.

Morocco

Morocco came up short to Libya early this year in the Pre-Qualifier, but them replacing Mozambique in the 2025 AfroBasket three weeks ago is an opportunity for them to redeem themselves. They are the former champions of FIBA AfroCan. While the tournament will be quite challenging for them, they have a roster that can rise to the challenge. With top players led by playmaker Kevin Franceschi, sharpshooter Nouhi Ayoub and experienced Mohamed Choua that keeps them upbeat.

Rwanda

Rwanda makes it to this list for a number of reasons, including the Tom fact that they are the team holding the longest training camp. Joining the team are players, including American-Rwandan Antino Jackson, who played a major role in APR's 2024 League title.

The invite of the team has been playing together for years now, including their coach, Cheikh Sar. They are another promising team to make the competition even more fun. Despite their cohesion, facing other top teams will be an uphill task to overcome.

Garbon

Just before the qualifiers, the Gabonese camp got shocking news when Chris Silva decided to withdraw due to an injury. The former NBA player was eager to suit up for his country for the first time, unfortunately, the Central African nation will have to wait until Silva is fully available. Will Silva be making his entrance in the February's Window 3? Time will tell. Until then, Coach Cedric Wilfred will have to rely on his mostly home-based roster.

Conclusion

The 2025 Afrobasket is set to be a promising competition, one that will have all fans of football hooked. Who will go home with the trophy? Time will tell. But there is a good chance it will be one of these top teams. There are many things to look forward to in each of these teams as they all have the potential to come out victorious.