SHEFFIELD (Julio Chitunda’s African Message) - A couple of weeks ago I reflected whether Egypt could dominate and win this year’s FIBA Africa U18 Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.

No, they couldn't.

Angola proved too strong for the six teams they faced to becoming the new kings of Africa thanks to an 86-82 overtime victory against Egypt in the final on Sunday. 

The Egyptians arrived in Kigali, where they won the 2010 edition of the tournament with the gold medal in mind. Instead, they returned home with a 6-2 record, a silver medal and a sense of disappointment because of a dominant Angolan side.

Although Egypt fought extremely hard to reclaim their fourth African title in the last five editions of the tournament, the Pharaohs will enter next summer’s FIBA U19 World Champions as hosts rather than champions of Africa. That privilege now belongs to the Angolans who waited almost three decades to win a major junior African trophy.

It’s been quite a ride for the Angolans.

Three years ago, head coach Manuel Silva ‘Gi’ and his assistant former Africa superstar Miguel Lutonda, guided their country to the title of FIBA U16 African Championship.

From that U16 team, ‘Gi’ and Lutonda - the masterminds behind Angola’s revolution at youth level - brought in Cley Cabanga, Silvio De Sousa, Milton Valente and Cristiano Xavier.

But what was even more impressive was the way the Angolans approached the tournament in Kigali.

They started off with a tremendous statement by beating title contenders Tunisia 66-56 in Group B. The Southern Africans followed that success with wins over Benin, Uganda, and the DR Congo.

But by the time the Angolans closed their Group Phase display with a comprehensive 85-69 over then reigning champions Egypt - in a game that they led by as many as 26 points - there was no more doubts who the strongest team in the competition was.

The Angolans had last won a U18 tournament - then called Africa Junior Championship - in 1988 with a generation of players that paved the way to their 11 African titles at senior level.

This latest title emphasises what the Angolans have been calling the start of a new chapter in their basketball history.

After losing the crown of Africa to Nigeria last summer at AfroBasket, and consequently, missing out qualification for the Olympic Games for the second time in a row - after four straight appearances - something had to be done.

The Angolans thought it was about time to go back to the boardroom, regroup and fight to remain at the top of Africa basketball, where they claim they belong.

For Nigeria and Senegal, two Angola’s eternal rivals on African basketball scene, this title should encourage them to keep on working in order to give their youngsters a chance of participating in an international competition like this.

In fact, Senegal from went from winning the U18 Championship in 2012 to never play in the competition again. 

Nigeria, the winners of seven U18 titles, last appeared in the competition back in 2010.

While the two nations pulled out of their regional qualifiers through administrative reasons, it’s been refreshing watching the DR Congo and Algeria coming up with competitive, athletic and talented teams.

Although both the DR Congo and Algeria finished 6th and 7th, respectively, they not only introduced themselves to the world, but they also gained the admiration from local fans, media, and scouts.

🇦🇴Angola are your new #FIBAU18Africa champions🏆 Congratulations to them 🎉
📺 https://t.co/HPMdET4Kmi
https://t.co/Oq1TIOS2ja

— FIBA (@FIBA) July 31, 2016

Eight victories in as many games gave the Angolans the right to celebrate and looking forward to the future.

Well done, Angola! New champions of Africa U18 Championship.

Julio Chitunda
FIBA

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