4th qualifying window for the 2027 World Cup: Senegal-Angola duel today at 6:30 p.m.

Beaten on Thursday by Egypt, on the occasion of their first outing in this fourth window of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, the Lions return to the floor of Dakar Arena today. They will face Angola from 6:30 p.m. A serious opponent for Senegal who will absolutely have to react. After this initial defeat, the last two matches promise to be decisive for the Lions who will have to win to maintain all their chances in the race for qualification.

With now five wins and two defeats in Group F, Senegal will play its second match of this window, today, at 6:30 p.m., at Dakar Arena, against the reigning African champions. Indeed, Brancou Badio’s teammates, who entered this tournament on a series of five consecutive victories, must imperatively win their last two matches against Angola and Mali after their setback against Egypt.

Also read: 2027 World Basketball Qualifiers: Egypt wins against Senegal

Trailing by four points at the end of the first quarter, the Egyptians were able to pull themselves together to create the biggest surprise among the six matches played Thursday in Dakar (Senegal) and Radès (Tunisia). The Lions, who completely missed their match, were only able to make 24 shots out of 70 attempts. Playmaker Brancou Badio stepped out of his comfort zone, missing all eleven of his 3-point attempts. He finished with nine points, his lowest total since the start of the Africa Zone Qualifiers.

Senegal was also out-rebounded, 53-45, including an impressive total of 23 offensive rebounds. Facing Angola this Saturday, Lions coach DeSagana Diop will have to change his system and correct certain errors. Because the Angolan team, which is one of the leaders of this group F, displayed its defensive mastery, leaving the DRC without response, Thursday at Dakar Arena, during the opening day of the qualifiers.

The reigning African champions got off to an excellent start, forcing the Congolese to lose 22 balls, a record, before winning 100-68. Eleven Angolan players had at least one interception, with Cleusio Castro leading the way with five. With 22 interceptions, Angola broke their own African Qualifiers record, set in the first round of the competition, when they finished with 21 interceptions in their 90-68 victory over Uganda.

Absa NDONG