Gabon qualified for AfroCan 2027 after edging Cameroon 83-80 before controlling their second match against Congo 86-58 in the Zone 4 qualifying tournament in Douala. The victory secured a second successive appearance at the final tournament, held just below the Afrobasket.
The Panthères completed the qualifying campaign through hard work, resilience and the contribution of their players. Their performance also offers encouragement for the tournament in Rwanda, where Gabon will seek to improve on the 9th place they recorded at the previous edition in Angola in 2023.
One priority will be the continued development of Elysé Darcy Makambo, aged 20, and Hermann Boukosso Igwe, 25. Both shone for Gabon during the weekend, while the coaching staff will also aim to restore the sharpness and competitive level expected from the established players.
Gabon will now rely on improved competition from domestic leagues, the federation and greater adherence to the preparation programme as they build towards Kigali 2027. The team returned home with the Zone 4 qualifying trophy, but captain Samuel Steeve Ndong, Fégabab president Willy Conrad Asseko and coach Johd Masnoudji all stressed that sustaining such a feat will require the necessary foundations for success at the highest level.
