The last three days were intense for the team, which took to the field in triplicate to compete in the third qualifying window for Afrobasket 2025.
The first game took place last Friday, with Angola facing Guinea. The team did not get off to a good start, having lost to the Guinean team.
"Angola entered the field determined, contested every possession of the ball and fought until the end, but victory ended up slipping away by one point (66-65)," said the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB), in a statement to which VerAngola had access.
On Saturday, it was Kenya's turn to compete. The result of this game was more encouraging with Angola securing the victory by 88-59.
On Sunday, the team closed the third and final qualifying window for the continental competition "with a flourish".
"Angola showed its strength by beating Tunisia 73 to 62, the team that won the last two AfroBaskets (2017 and 2021) and has 3 gold medals, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals in the competition", points out the FAB.
The games were held in Tripoli, Libya, and the match was not attended by the national team coach, who was absent from the 'bench' due to illness.
In another statement, to which VerAngola had access, the FAB clarifies the absence of Pepe Clarós at this stage.
"The Angolan Basketball Federation informs that the national coach, Pepe Clarós, is unable to accompany the National Team in this phase of qualification for AfroBasket 2025, due to a case of malaria," the note reads.
"On medical advice, the coach is recovering and, therefore, will not be able to be present at the national team's next matches", explained the federation, which clarified that, therefore, the assistant technical committee assumed the "responsibility of leading the national team in the remaining challenges of this qualifying window, ensuring the continuity of the work and the strategy defined for the national team".
"The FAB and the entire national delegation wish a quick and full recovery to coach Pepe Clarós and reaffirm their commitment to maintaining competitiveness and dedication on the field," said the FAB.
It is worth remembering that Afrobasket 2025 will be held in Angola.
