The 42nd edition of the Congolese National Basketball Championships concluded on August 23 at the Maxime-Matsima gymnasium in Brazzaville, according to local reports. Avenir du rail (AVR) claimed the senior men’s title, while Anges Noirs Basket Club (ANBC) secured the senior women’s championship. Across eight days of competition, teams from various departmental leagues contested the tournament across multiple age categories in front of capacity crowds.
Senior Women’s Final: ANBC Defends Title Against Interclub
In the senior women’s division, reigning champions ANBC defeated Interclub 59-49 to capture another national crown. Anchored by individual talent and collective cohesion, ANBC established an early advantage, leading 31-20 at halftime. Interclub mounted a resurgence after the break, narrowing the deficit to 36-39 by the end of the third quarter. Despite the mounting pressure, ANBC maintained its defensive structure down the stretch to secure the ten-point victory.
Senior Men’s Final: AVR Edges AS Otoho in Thriller
The senior men’s finale delivered a dramatic encounter between Avenir du rail and AS Otoho. Pushed by vocal supporters inside a packed Maxime-Matsima gymnasium, AVR carved out an early 24-17 lead after the first quarter. AS Otoho steadily eroded the deficit through disciplined coordination, eventually tying the match at 66-66 with four minutes remaining. Elevated temperatures inside the venue prompted a brief suspension of play. With 17 seconds left on the clock, the teams remained deadlocked at 76-76 before AVR scored two decisive points in the final five seconds to seal a 78-76 victory.
Youth Divisions and Tournament Honors
Earlier matches featured decisive outcomes in the youth categories. In the junior men’s final, AVR defeated Black Lion of Pointe-Noire 87-62. Meanwhile, AS Otoho captured the cadet men’s title with a 57-44 victory over Black Lion, while the third-place cadet match saw CPOGS take the honors over Tigers. Following the finals, the top three teams in each category received trophies, medals, and financial envelopes.
Leadership and Official Remarks
Congolese Basketball Federation President Fabrice Makaya Mateve praised the sportsmanship displayed throughout the eight-day tournament. He noted that the electric atmosphere surrounding the finales signifies a resurgence for basketball in the country, urging participants to maintain unity and athletic discipline. The closing ceremony was delivered by Deputy Minister of Youth and Civic Education Michrist Kaba Mboko alongside government officials, marking a successful conclusion to a tournament that drew over forty clubs from various regional leagues.
Related reading
