Senegal Under Pressure After Egypt Loss in 2027 Qualifiers

Senegal’s route through the fourth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers has become more difficult after an opening defeat by Egypt. The Lions now face Angola on Saturday, making their second game important in the qualification race. Angola began the window by beating Congo earlier on Thursday.

Egypt won 75-67 at Dakar Arena after Senegal led 17-13 at the end of the first quarter. The visitors changed the balance before half-time, taking a 41-34 advantage, then extended their lead to 64-51 after three quarters. Senegal reduced the gap to eight points late in the game but could not complete the comeback.

Brancou Badio endured a difficult night, missing all 11 of his three-point attempts while also struggling with turnovers and rebounds. Senegal also lost Ibrahima Fall Faye during the game, while Mouhamadou Gueye, making his first appearance for the national team, contributed seven points in the opening quarter and helped under the boards. Jean-Jacques Boissy and Mbaye Ndiaye helped spark the late response, including a sequence of three Senegalese interceptions, but Egypt remained in control. The loss leaves Senegal needing a stronger performance against reigning African champions Angola.