AfroBasket U18 2027: Chad crowned Zone 4 champions and qualify for Abidjan

Chadian basketball has reached a historic milestone. The Sao U18 national team captured the FIBA Africa Zone 4 title after defeating Gabon 85-58 in the final held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The victory secures Chad's qualification for the AfroBasket U18 2027 tournament, which will be hosted in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The road to the title was far from straightforward. After opening the tournament with a loss to Congo, the young Chadians responded impressively, recording key victories over the Central African Republic, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea before avenging their earlier defeat against Congo in the semifinals with a 52-46 win.

Several players played crucial roles throughout the competition, led by dominant big man Ngaba Yaya. The center delivered standout performances on both ends of the floor, including a 20-point outing in the semifinal against Congo, while consistently controlling the boards throughout the tournament.

In the championship game, Chad left no doubt about its superiority. The Sao stormed to a 24-12 lead after the first quarter and continued to increase the gap before cruising to a convincing 27-point victory over Gabon.

The qualification marks a major step forward for Chadian basketball and highlights the country's growing presence on the continental stage. The Sao U18 will now look forward to testing themselves against Africa's best young teams at AfroBasket U18 2027 in Abidjan.