AfroBasket 2025: L’Angola bat le Cap-Vert devant 12 700 spectateurs, mais la polémique enfle
In a packed Arena do Kilamba (12,700 spectators, a tournament record), Angola qualified for the semifinals of AfroBasket 2025 by winning 90–80 against Cape Verde. But this victory against the Portuguese-speaking “brother country” left a bitter taste: the disputed refereeing set social media ablaze and tarnished the celebrations.
Dominated in the first half, Cape Verde came back from 15 points down to take the lead in the third quarter thanks to the Almeida brothers. Ivan, the driving force behind the Blue Sharks, revived hope before being sent off for a second unsportsmanlike foul. A decision that, at the height of their momentum, cut the Blue Sharks' legs short.
Deprived of their leader and with several key players eliminated for five fouls in the fourth half (Edy Tavares, Joel Almeida, Betinho Gomes), the islanders finally gave in.
Petro de Luanda's 1.67m point guard, Childe Dundao, the tournament's smallest player, then took matters into his own hands. He scored 30 points, including 18 from the free-throw line, drew 10 fouls, and was carried in triumph by his teammates.
Angolan reactions: Gakou, Fernando
Aboubakar Gakou, who scored 14 points, stressed the importance of turning the page: "Now we have to rest and think about the semi-final."
Bruno Fernando, for his part, highlighted the defense and the electric atmosphere: "We forced a lot of turnovers and that allowed us to win. But tonight, the energy of the crowd changed everything."
Edy Tavares, the voice of Cape Verdean pride
For his part, Edy Tavares did not hide his disappointment but also his pride: "I am very proud of this group. We knew that everything was against us, we knew it. We were mentally ready for this match. We gave everything to win. We almost did it, but it came down to free throws and a few defensive mistakes."
And he added about his country's role: "We know we're small, no one respects us. But we inspire young people, we try to do things well and be proud."
After the match, the Cape Verde coach – of Angolan origin – could not hold back his tears at the press conference, convinced that his team had been deprived of a historic feat.
Cape Verdean supporters, who were in large numbers in the stands, denounced the unfair handling of fouls.
On social media, anger is running high: many are talking about a "theft" that is depriving Cape Verde of a historical page.
Commentaires (6)
Le joueur angolais Aboubacar Gakou n'a pas un nom qui sonne angolais.
Justemment en plus Gakou ça sonne tres senegalais
Il est guinneen d'origine
Rien à cirer de la consonance des blases, un bel instant de sport...tu combien de français dans ta team de foot ?
Bravo au Cap Vert il faudra compter sur eux désormais.
L’Angola ne mérite pas du tout cette victoire, car les arbitres ont volé le Cap-Vert. C'est malheureux de voir les arbitres soutenir et aider les angolais ouvertement afin qu'ils puissent se qualifier. A vrai dire, cette victoire est celle du Cap-Vert. Donc, chers Cap-verdiens soyez fiers de vous.
le cap vert est plus fort que l angola si le match s était joué sur un terrain neutre ils vont plier les angolais mais avec les pays organisateur c est tres compliquer on fait tout pour qu ils aillent en finale pour ne pas gâcher la fête
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