Senegal Dominates the Boards to Finish Unbeaten in 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers
By Esther E. Otto
Senegal capped off a flawless campaign in the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers, finishing unbeaten in six games, thanks largely to their exceptional dominance on the boards.
On Sunday, February 23, Senegal secured an 83-76 overtime victory against Cameroon, solidifying their position at the top of Group C. Despite Cameroon’s spirited comeback from a 17-point deficit, Senegal’s superior presence in the paint proved decisive.
Rebounding has been Senegal’s hallmark throughout the qualifiers, and Cameroon became yet another victim of their relentless board control. Interestingly, despite Cameroon out-rebounding Senegal 62-39 in their final matchup, the Senegalese team’s physicality and aggressiveness around the basket still tipped the game in their favor.
“They’re big, they’re aggressive on the boards, and that makes them hard to play against,” admitted Cameroon forward William Narace, who led his team with 22 points. “They are so tall. It’s always difficult to play against a team like that. The difference on the boards was the biggest factor in this game.”
Cameroon’s head coach Alfred echoed Narace’s sentiments, conceding that the battle around the basket ultimately decided the game. “Our main objective coming here to Morocco was to win the battle of the boards, and we lost that battle. That’s where the game was played,” he noted.
Throughout the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers, Senegal showcased not just consistency but sheer dominance. Over their six games in Dakar and Rabat, they out-rebounded opponents by an astonishing average of 21.5 boards per game.
A standout moment came during Senegal’s emphatic 101-58 win over Gabon, where they set a tournament record by grabbing 66 rebounds in a single game.
Senegal’s unmatched presence on the boards has not only secured their place at the top of Group C but has also sent a clear message to future opponents. Their size, strength, and rebounding prowess make them one of the most formidable teams heading into the AfroBasket tournament.
As the qualifiers conclude, Senegal stands tall—both literally and figuratively—poised for a strong showing in the main event, with their dominance in the paint likely to be their biggest weapon moving forward.
