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DR Congo aim for a strong start in the qualifiers
Tournament: FIBA Basketball World Cup, 2027 African Qualifiers | Venue: Senegal, Dakar, Stadium Marius Ndiaye | Tip Off: 23:30:00
Live Streaming: Courtside 1891
DR Congo to win and cover the spread (-8.5)
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| Bookmaker | Team A | Team B |
|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 1.21 | 3.65 |
DR Congo begin their FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers campaign with a first-round matchup against Madagascar, a game that could shape early group momentum.
However, Congo DR head into this matchup after a 77-68 setback against Cameroon in FIBA AfroBasket. Mervedi Kasekelayi led the scoring with 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Johnathan Jordan added 13 points and 6 assists, the only two players scoring in double figures.
Offensively, Congo shot 40.7% from the field, 25% from the perimeter, while dishing out 17 assists. Defensively, they got outrebounded 49-33 on the boards, giving way multiple second chance opportunities and points in the paint.
In their upcoming Group B matchup Congo DR will look to turn defensive stops into quick offense and avoid letting the game slow down.
Madagascar’s national team heads into a defining early test in the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, facing off against DR Congo in their opening Group B matchup.
They are coming off a 81-60 loss against Tunisia in the FIBA Afrobasket, where Elly Randriamampiono led the scoring with 17 points, while Sitraka Raharimanantoanina added 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Offensively, Madagascar shot 35.3% from the field, 21.7% from the perimeter and 63.6% from the free throw line. Defensively, they got outrebounded 48-44 on the boards and allowed Tunisia to convert 47.6% from the perimeter, while committing 14 turnovers and 13 fouls down the stretch.
Despite their recent setbacks, this upcoming matchup presents Madagascar with both a challenge and an opportunity to set the tone for their campaign.
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| PG | Johnathan Jordan |
| SG | Claude Christian |
| SF | Christian Eyenga |
| PF | Mervedi Kasekelayi |
| C | Jordan Sakho |
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| PG | Rija Lahontan |
| SG | Kiady Mijoro |
| SF | Sitraka Raharimanantoanina |
| PF | Elly Randriamampiono |
| C | Alpha Solondrainy |
On 26 February 2026, DR Congo face Madagascar in a key World Cup qualifier. DR Congo bring size and transition power, while Madagascar rely on discipline and perimeter shooting. Tempo control and turnovers will shape this Group B opener.
Head-to-Head matchups: In the last two head-to-head matchups, Congo DR won both the matches against Madagascar.
| Player Name | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals/Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mervedi Kasekelayi | 6.8 | 4.3 | 0.5 | 0.8/0.8 |
| Elly Randriamampiono | 9 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0/0 |
DR Congo is expected to assert their dominance in this contest. Their superior physicality and athleticism, particularly when scoring in transition, should allow them to overwhelm Madagascar over the course of four quarters.
While Madagascar’s defensive structure may keep the game competitive in the early stages, DR Congo’s advantage on the glass and their efficiency in fast-break points are likely to create significant separation. We are backing DR Congo to win this matchup.
DR Congo to win and cover the spread (-8.5)
1xBet
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