Senegal’s women’s basketball team, the Lionesses, began their Olympic qualifying campaign with a dramatic and hard-fought victory over Angola, edging their rivals 75–74 in a tense opener that went down to the final moments. The narrow win highlighted both the resilience and character of the African runners-up, who had to battle back after a difficult start to secure the result.
The game did not begin as planned for Senegal. Struggling to find their rhythm early on, the Lionesses were outplayed in the first two quarters by a determined Angolan side. Angola controlled the tempo, capitalizing on defensive lapses and missed opportunities from Senegal to build a small but significant advantage. By halftime, Senegal trailed by four points, 38–34, and faced the challenge of overturning both the scoreboard and the momentum.
Coming out of the locker room, however, the Lionesses showed a completely different attitude. More aggressive in defense and sharper in attack, they gradually closed the gap. The team tightened their marking, forced turnovers, and began converting key possessions. Their renewed intensity disrupted Angola’s flow and allowed Senegal to regain control of the contest.
Much of the turnaround was inspired by the outstanding performances of Oumou Khairy Sarr and Bintou Dieme. The duo stepped up when it mattered most, leading the charge on both ends of the court. Senegal dominated the third quarter, outscoring their opponents and flipping the deficit into a 60–56 lead heading into the final period. Their composure under pressure and improved execution proved decisive as the match entered its closing stages.
The fourth quarter was a tense affair, with both teams exchanging baskets in a back-and-forth battle. Angola refused to give up, constantly threatening to snatch the lead, but Senegal held firm. The Lionesses managed the clock wisely and converted crucial plays to stay ahead. In the final seconds, they protected their slim advantage to secure a thrilling 75–74 victory.
Bintou Dieme emerged as the standout player of the match. Her all-around performance was instrumental, as she finished with 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Her leadership and versatility energized the team and made the difference in key moments.
This victory also continues Senegal’s recent dominance over Angola. After triumphs at Afrobasket and the Dakar tournament, the Lionesses have now defeated their rivals three times in three meetings this year, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s strongest sides and boosting their confidence for the rest of the Olympic qualifying tournament.
