Alexandria: The Angolan national senior men's basketball team has arrived in Egypt to participate in the second round of qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar. The team, known for their impressive record as ten-time African champions, is set to compete in Group D matches against Uganda on Thursday, Egypt on Saturday, and Mali on March 1. These matches will be held in Borg Al Arab, approximately 52 kilometers from Alexandria.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the team, led by Spanish coach Pep Clar³s, is optimistic about their prospects, aiming to secure victories in all three matches to advance to the next stage of the qualifiers. The qualification system dictates that the top three teams from each of the four groups (A, B, C, and D), comprising a total of 12 teams, will move on to the third round scheduled from June 29 to July 7.
The results of this phase are crucial as they contribute to the teams' standings for the final round. Teams that do not qualify will be regrouped into two new pools of six teams each for the fourth window, which takes place from August 24 to September 1. The top five teams from these pools will earn a spot in the World Cup in Qatar, set to occur from August 27 to September 12, 2027.
The Angolan squad includes a roster of 12 players, featuring point guards Childe Dundo and Gerson Likeny from Petro de Luanda, and Selton Miguel from Nevezis Kedainiai, Lithuania. The shooting guard lineup includes Eduardo Francisco from Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Milton Valente from Petro de Luanda, and Bamba Ciss© from 1.º de Agosto. Power forwards Aboubakar Gakou, Macachi Braz from Basket Coru±a, Spain, and Islando Manuel from Sporting de Luanda also form part of the team. The centers are Bruno Fernando from Partizan, Serbia, Kevin Kokila from JL Bourg-en-Bresse, France, and Cl©sio Castro from Petro de Luanda.
