Afrobasket U18 Women: The Lionesses display a worrying level of technical skill

Senegal is going through a particularly difficult period at the Women's U18 Afrobasket. Considered for several years as one of the benchmarks of African basketball in the youth categories, the Lionesses are on the verge of elimination after two consecutive defeats.

In their opening match, Malick Bachir Diop's team suffered a heavy defeat against Cameroon (61-30). This loss was already worrying, as both the scoreline and the performance raised questions. But their second match against Tunisia did little to reassure them.

Senegal suffered another defeat, this time by the narrowest of margins (44-43), in a match marked by glaring offensive struggles. Worse still, the Lionesses went through the entire third quarter without scoring a single point. This is an extremely rare occurrence at this level of competition and highlights the team's numerous current shortcomings, both technically and tactically.

Beyond the results, it is the level of play displayed that is causing the most concern. A lack of attacking efficiency, difficulties in ball movement, technical errors, turnovers, and an inability to maintain consistency in their play. The Lionesses still seem far from the expected level of a team that has long shone in African youth competitions.

With two defeats in as many matches, their margin for error is now very slim. Senegal absolutely must bounce back in their next encounter against Nigeria, a team that also suffered a narrow defeat against Cameroon.

Facing a Nigerian team renowned for its intensity and athleticism, the Lionesses will need to show a completely different side of themselves if they hope to stay alive in the competition. But judging by their first two performances, the challenge looks particularly difficult.

The situation is therefore very urgent for Malick Bachir Diop and his players. Beyond the possibility of qualifying, it is above all the ability of Senegalese basketball to regain its standing in youth categories that is being questioned.