Senegal’s Lionnes Triumph Over Ivory Coast in Thrilling AfroBasket 2025 Quarterfinal

Abidjan, Ivory Coast – In a heart-stopping showdown at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, Senegal’s national women’s basketball team, the Lionnes, staged a spectacular comeback to defeat hosts Ivory Coast 66-60 in the AfroBasket 2025 quarterfinals. The victory marks Senegal’s 26th consecutive semifinal appearance in as many tournament participations – a staggering record of consistency in African basketball.

Cierra Dillard Leads Lionnes to Semifinals

The match, played before a raucous Ivorian crowd, saw Senegal’s star guard Cierra Dillard deliver a masterclass performance. The American-born playmaker, who acquired Senegalese citizenship in 2023, orchestrated the Lionnes’ offense with precision while contributing crucial points in the game’s dying moments.

“This was a battle of wills,” Dillard told reporters post-game. “The Ivorian team came prepared, but we showed the heart of champions when it mattered most.”

Dramatic Fourth Quarter Comeback

After trailing for much of the contest, Senegal mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally. The turning point came with just three minutes remaining when a series of defensive stops transitioned into fast-break opportunities, allowing the Lionnes to erase a 6-point deficit.

Ivory Coast’s head coach lamented missed opportunities: “We had control for 37 minutes, but Senegal’s experience in these situations proved decisive. Their composure under pressure is why they’re perennial contenders.”

Historic Semifinal Streak Continues

With this victory, Senegal maintains its perfect record of reaching at least the semifinals in every AfroBasket tournament since its inception. The team will face either Nigeria or Cameroon in Saturday’s semifinal, with a spot in the championship game on the line.

Senegal’s head coach praised her team’s resilience: “This is why we play the full 40 minutes. Basketball is a game of runs, and we stayed patient until our moment arrived.”

Looking Ahead: Semifinal Preview

Basketball analysts are already anticipating a potential Senegal-Nigeria clash, which would pit the tournament’s two most successful programs against each other. Nigeria holds a record seven AfroBasket titles, while Senegal has claimed five championships.

The semifinal matchup will also feature intriguing individual battles, with Dillard likely facing either Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu or Cameroon’s Ramses Lonlack – two of Africa’s premier perimeter defenders.

As the Lionnes prepare for their next challenge, basketball fans across the continent are marveling at Senegal’s sustained excellence. The team’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level continues to set the standard for women’s basketball in Africa.