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The 2026 IWBF Africa Championships came to a thrilling conclusion in Luanda, Angola, with Morocco and Algeria crowned continental champions following an intense week of competition at the Kilamba Arena.
Across both the men’s and women’s tournaments, teams battled not only for medals, but for qualification pathways towards the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Ottawa 2026.
Morocco Retain Men’s Title in Luanda
Morocco successfully defended their African crown, delivering a commanding performance in the men’s final to defeat South Africa 59–42 and secure back-to-back titles.
Having navigated a competitive field, Morocco once again showed their quality on the biggest stage, controlling the final with composure and experience to confirm their status as Africa’s leading men’s programme.
South Africa, who impressed throughout the tournament and battled through a physical semi-final against Algeria, take silver after a strong campaign.
Earlier in the day, Senegal claimed the bronze medal with a narrow 51–48 victory over Algeria in a tightly contested encounter, sealing their place on the podium after a resilient performance.
Morocco’s victory also secures their direct qualification to the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Ottawa 2026, while South Africa remain firmly in contention through the Repechage pathway.
Algeria Claim Women’s Crown and Ottawa Qualification
In the women’s competition, Algeria were crowned African champions after an outstanding tournament run, culminating in victory over South Africa in the gold medal game.
Algeria demonstrated consistency and confidence throughout the competition, finishing their campaign unbeaten and securing both the title and direct qualification to Ottawa 2026.
South Africa, who also delivered a strong tournament, take silver and will look ahead to the next stage of qualification at the Women's Repechage as they continue their journey towards the World Championships.
Host nation Angola provided one of the standout stories of the tournament, claiming a historic bronze medal after defeating Morocco 36–21. Backed by a passionate home crowd, Angola’s performance marks a significant milestone for the programme and highlights the continued growth of women’s wheelchair basketball across the continent.
All-Star Teams and MVPs
The championships also recognised the top individual performances across both competitions.
Women’s All-Star Team
Morocco – Douaa Oukhantejji (#4, 1.5)
Angola – Aurora Yondondo (#10, 3.5)
Angola – Valentina Tcheiteculo (#8, 2.5)
South Africa – Asive Gilifile (#13, 4.0)
Most Valuable Player:
Algeria – Djamila Khemgani (#11, 4.0)
Men’s All-Star Team
Morocco – Bilal Ben Hamman Lechab (#6, 1.0)
Senegal – Saliou Diene (#10, 3.0)
South Africa – Shane Williams (#12, 3.0)
Algeria – Mohamed Boudaoud (#13, 4.0)
Most Valuable Player:
Morocco – Zouhair Challat (#4, 2.5)
Final Standings
Women
1st – Algeria
2nd – South Africa
3rd – Angola
4th – Morocco
5th – Kenya
6th – Liberia
Men
1st – Morocco
2nd – South Africa
3rd – Senegal
4th – Algeria
5th – Egypt
6th – Angola
7th – Kenya
8th – Liberia
9th – DR Congo
A Continental Showcase
The IWBF Africa Championships 2026 brought together leading teams from across the continent, highlighting the continued development and competitiveness of wheelchair basketball in the region.
With Morocco and Algeria securing qualification to Ottawa 2026, and South Africa heading to the Men's and Women's Repechage, the road to the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships continues.
