The Ukrainian men’s basketball team played a friendly match against Angola as part of their preparation for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Denmark.
Angola, who won the African continental championship in 2025 and recently defeated Georgia 77-62 in a friendly, started strong with a 6-0 run. However, Ukraine quickly stabilized the game. From the outset, coach Ainars Bagatskis fielded Denis Lukashov, Ivan Tkachenko, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Dmytro Skapintsev, and Andriy Voynalovych. The first quarter remained tightly contested, ending in a 22-22 deadlock, with Ukraine unable to gain a decisive edge.
The second quarter continued in a similar vein, with neither team allowing the other to pull away. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk stood out by scoring 22 points in the first half alone. Ukraine managed to take a narrow lead going into halftime, 48-45.
Ukraine came out stronger after the break. Following a successful long-range shot from Ivan Tkachenko, the Ukrainian lead extended to eight points at 56-48, prompting Angola to call a timeout. Bagatskis’s squad then caught fire, increasing their advantage to 17 points at 65-48. Angola responded with a 10-0 run midway through the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 67-61. Despite this, Ukraine maintained control, entering the final quarter ahead 72-64.
Angola intensified their efforts in the last quarter, closing in on Ukraine and eventually coming within a single point. With the score at 92-91 in favor of Ukraine, Angola executed a decisive play, culminating in a close-range basket by Dundao. Ukraine had only a few seconds left for a final attack, but Angola’s defense held firm, blocking Dmytro Skapintsev’s attempt. The game ended 93-92 in favor of Angola.
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk was Ukraine’s top scorer with 22 points.
Ukraine’s next friendly is scheduled for June 28, when they face Lithuania away. The game will begin at 16:30 UTC.
Friendly Match
Riga, Xiaomi Arena
Ukraine – Angola – 92:93 (22:22, 26:23, 24:19, 20:29)
Ukraine lineup: Lukashov 7 points + 9 assists, Tkachenko 8 points + 3 assists, Mykhailiuk 22 points + 3 rebounds + 3 assists, Skapintsev 10 points + 8 rebounds, Voynalovych 7 points – starters; Bobrov 13 points + 4 assists, Kobzystyi 8 points, Kovalov 5 points, Klychko 4 points, Shelist 3 points, Bublyk 3 points, Sushkin 1 point, Tyrtyshnyk 1 point.
