Egypt’s women’s national basketball team delivered a powerful response, defeating Angola 70–54 in their second Group C match at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025. The result marks Egypt’s second consecutive victory over Angola at AfroBasket, following their upset win in Yaoundé in 2021.
Fast Start, Fierce Finish
Egypt came into the game fully aware that a loss would severely hinder their chances of advancing. With their backs against the wall, Coach Julian Martinez’s team responded with intensity from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Egypt never trailed during the match and set the tone early with a sharp offensive execution and relentless defensive pressure.
Although Angola showed glimpses of a revival early in the contest—tying the score 18–18 thanks to an Alexia Dizeko layup—it was Egypt’s sharpshooter Asrar Abdelgawad who broke the deadlock with a three-pointer, sparking a 12–0 run that gave the Pharaohs full control. By halftime, Egypt led 35–23, and they didn’t look back.
Turning Point: Egypt Dominate the Third Quarter
Any hopes of an Angolan comeback were dashed in the third quarter, as Egypt extended their lead to 21 points. By the end of the third period, the scoreboard read 55–34 in Egypt’s favor. It was a combination of airtight defense and fast-break finishes that left Angola scrambling for answers.
Team Cohesion Powers Egypt to Victory
Egypt’s win was built on strong teamwork. Six of their eleven players registered at least two points, a testament to their balanced offense. Standouts Asrar Abdelgawad and Raneem Elgedawy combined for 38 points, setting the tone on both ends of the court. Elgedawy’s presence in the paint and Abdelgawad’s shooting from beyond the arc gave Egypt a crucial edge.
Despite Abdelgawad limping off after a collision late in the game, her performance up to that point had already helped tilt the contest decisively in Egypt’s favor.
Stat Story: Egypt’s Defense Was the Difference
Egypt’s defense forced 13 Angolan turnovers by halftime and held them to a woeful 0-for-10 from three-point range in the first half. Angola eventually finished 3-for-20 from beyond the arc, compared to Egypt’s more efficient 7-for-20.
Despite a strong showing from Angola’s Sara Caetano, who scored 18 points, the rest of the team struggled to find rhythm. Angola’s bench outscored Egypt’s 32–3, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their inefficient shooting and defensive lapses.
What’s Next
With this victory, Egypt improve to 1–1 and remain firmly in the race for a quarterfinal spot. Angola, now facing back-to-back AfroBasket losses, must regroup quickly as they prepare to face host nation Côte d’Ivoire in a must-win clash on Monday.
