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Cape Verde men's national basketball team

The Cape Verde national basketball team represents Cape Verde in international basketball matches and is administered by the Federação Cabo-verdiana de Basquetebol.

Its greatest accomplishment was the bronze medal at the AfroBasket 2007, where Cape Verde beat Egypt in its last game.

On 26 February 2023, Cape Verde qualified for their first-ever World Cup when they claimed their ticket to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The country became the smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup, breaking a record that was held by Montenegro.

History

Early development

Basketball in Cape Verde gained structure following independence in 1975, but formal organization only began later with the establishment of the Federação Cabo-verdiana de Basquetebol. The federation joined FIBA in 1988.

AfroBasket debut

Cape Verde debuted in the AfroBasket in 1997, finishing 7th in the nine-team tournament. They returned in 1999 and steadily improved in subsequent editions.

Historic bronze at AfroBasket 2007

At the 2007 AfroBasket in Angola, Cape Verde won 62–53 against Nigeria in the quarterfinals, lost to host nation Angola in the semifinals, and won against Egypt 53–51 in the third-place match. This secured Cape Verde’s first-ever medal at the continental championship.

Edy "Walter" Tavares joins the team

In 2013, center Edy Tavares joined. He was named to the All-Star Five at AfroBasket 2021 and averaged a double-double during World Cup qualifying.

World Cup qualification

On 26 February 2023, Cape Verde qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time by defeating Ivory Coast in the African qualifiers. With this, Cape Verde became the smallest nation by population ever to reach the World Cup, surpassing Montenegro’s record.

World Cup debut

At the 2023 World Cup in the Philippines, Cape Verde earned their first-ever win on the world stage by defeating Venezuela 81–75. Edy Tavares contributed 14 rebounds along with defensive dominance to secure the victory.

AfroBasket 2025 performance

At AfroBasket 2025, Cape Verde continued to rely on Tavares, who set a new personal record with 19 rebounds in the group stage. Despite a 81–82 loss to Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde remained in contention for a quarterfinal spot.

Achievements

Competitive record

FIBA World Cup

AfroBasket

Third place   Fourth place  

African Games

  • 2011 – 6th

Lusophony Games

  • 2006 –
  • 2009 –
  • 2014 – 4th

Team

Current roster

Roster for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket.

Head coach position

  • Carlos Tavares – early 2000s
  • Manuel da Costa – early 2000s
  • Rui Silva – early 2000s
  • Emanuel Trovoada – 2007
  • Eric Silva – 2008
  • Alex Nwora – 2009–2013
  • Antonio Tavares – 2014
  • Luis Magalhães – 2015
  • Emanuel Trovoada – 2016–2022
  • Jorge Rito – 2023 (e.g., AfroCan 2023 & subsequent competitions)
  • Emanuel Trovoada – 2024–present (returned after 2023 stint by Rito)

Past rosters

Team for the 2013 FIBA Africa Championship.

Roster for AfroBasket 2021.

Roster for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Kit

Manufacturer

2015 – Peak

2025 – Dhika

Sponsor

2015 – Zap

See also

References

External links

Videos