According to the Angolan Basketball Federation, it was with "race, focus and a lot of dedication" that the national team managed to secure "the much-desired spot in AfroBasket 2025".
"In an electrifying clash, Angola beat Mozambique 65-58, stamping their passport for the great continental competition, which will take place in Ivory Coast, from July 25 to August 3", reads the federation's note, to which VerAngola had access.
The federation also says that, "under the guidance of coach Paulo Macedo", the athletes "overcame the challenges on the field, showing the strength of Angolan basketball and the unwavering desire to represent the country at the highest level".
The match, played at the Cidadela Desportiva pavilion in Luanda, went into the break with Angola winning by just one point: 32 to 31.
Angola closed the first quarter of the game with a 13-point lead (25 to 12), while in the second quarter, the Mozambicans almost managed to turn the score around, which at half-time was 32 to 31, still in Angola's favor.
In the third quarter of the game, although the team had difficulty maintaining a coherent game, Angola continued to have the advantage, winning by 53 to 46.
It was necessary to wait until the end to consolidate Angola's victory. In the fourth and final period, Mozambique showed determination, but the team managed to be resilient and, through a free throw, seconds before the end of the game, managed to secure a place in the competition.
Angola lost the first game of the double round of the zone VI tournament. Played on Monday, the national team lost 44-50, and needed to win Tuesday's game by more than seven points to secure qualification.
According to Angop, Italee Lucas was considered the most valuable player of the game (MVP), having scored 28 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists. Players Cristina Matiquite (15 points and eight rebounds) and Sara Caetano (10 points and 13 rebounds) also stood out in the selection.
Paulo Macedo said that it was a difficult qualification, recognizing flaws in the team's game, however, he valued the victory against the Mozambican team.
"Unfortunately we had two setbacks with the number of fouls, but the team was united and knew what they wanted," he said, adding that the support from the fans was crucial in turning the tie around.
Italee Lucas expressed satisfaction in contributing to the team's qualification: "It's been a long time since we beat Mozambique and achieving qualification at home is very satisfying," she said, quoted by Angop.
It is worth noting that the country has two continental titles, the first won in 2011 (Bamako) and the other in 2013 (Maputo).
