2026 U-18 Boys Afrobasket: Cameroon Bags Bronze

T he U-18 basketball boys of Cameroon did not return home empty-handed. They clinched a bronze medal at the just-concluded U-18 AfroBasket Boys Championship after defeating Mali 73–69 in the third place match on August 16, 2026. On same day, the host, Côte d’Ivoire, rose to the occasion in front of their home fans, de- feating Senegal 73–51 in the final to claim the trophy. Cameroon had to fight for the bronze with all determination, evidently having recove- red from their semi-finals lost to Côte d’Ivoire, that eventually won the title. The young basketball Lions concentrated on se- curing a third place; a feat which they rea- lised after a hard tussle. The Cameroonians had to hold off a comeback from Mali in the fourth quarter. Mali scored 24 points, but missed too many crucial free throws. Cameroon’s starting backcourt pair, James Minlend and Norlan Ngangmeni, led the way with 23 and 13 points respectively. Ronny ...