Egypt claim Women’s Under-18 AfroBasket bronze with victory over Ivory Coast

Egypt’s women’s Under-18 basketball team secured the bronze medal at the 2026 Women’s Under-18 AfroBasket after beating Ivory Coast 60-52 in the third-place play-off.

The result confirmed Egypt’s third-place finish in the African championship following a strong campaign in the continental competition.

Egypt made the better start at the match and led 18-16 at the end of the opening quarter. They then strengthened their position in the second period, extending their advantage before half-time to establish a 34-24 lead.

Ivory Coast attempted to reduce the deficit after the interval, but Egypt remained in control. The third quarter finished 42-39 in Egypt’s favour, leaving the Egyptian side with a three-point advantage heading into the decisive final period.

Egypt then produced the more effective display in the fourth quarter to settle the contest. They finished the game eight points clear at 60-52 and completed their route to the bronze medal.

The victory gave Egypt third place at the 2026 Women’s Under-18 AfroBasket, rewarding the team after what was described as a strong run through the African tournament.

Egypt had qualified for the final phase of the Women’s Under-18 African championship after winning the Zone Five qualifiers. Those qualifiers were held at Cairo International Stadium, where the team claimed the regional title and earned its place in the continental finals.

The national squad consists of 12 players: Jory Nizar, Malak El Azab, Sidra Shalaby, Hania Nasser, Yasmine El Gamal, Fatma Mohamed, Mariam Hazem, Malak El Hamly, Hana El Baz, Laila Hossam, Zeina Halim and Sidra Haitham.

The team is coached by head coach Tarek Khairy.

Egypt’s 60-52 success over Ivory Coast completed the tournament with a podium finish, with the side’s advantage built progressively across all four quarters. They held a narrow lead after the opening 10 minutes, created their largest advantage of the first half before the break, and maintained their lead through the third quarter before pulling away again in the closing period.

The bronze medal represents the outcome of Egypt’s progress from the Zone Five competition through to the African Under-18 finals. Their regional success at Cairo International Stadium had secured qualification, while the win in the third-place match ensured they finished the continental tournament in third position.