Crucial win draws Cote d’Ivoire closer to World Cup

ABIDJAN (Cote d’Ivoire) – A convincing win against Nigeria followed up by a thrilling 87-60 win against Rwanda on Saturday night has drawn Cote d'Ivoire closer to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

The odds were stacked against "Les Elephants" of Cote d’Ivoire going into the last window, but things look more rosy now.

Buoyed by vociferous fans in an electrifying atmosphere at the Palais des Sports of Treichville, the Ivorians led the first quarter 18-15.

They picked up a considerable 18-point lead in the second quarter and maintained the steam in the third quarter before wrapping it off with a comfortable win.

Forward Vafessa Fofana hit the right notes for "Les Elephants" sinking in a game-high 21 points with Bryan Pamba chipping in 18 points. Veteran Mohamed Kone contributed 10 points to heighten hopes for a fourth World Cup qualification for Cote d’Ivoire.

Despite this comprehensive win, Cote d’Ivoire head coach Paolo Povia is aware that they have not yet reached their set goal.

They now need to win against Mali by at least 13 points, or by exactly 12 points and score at least 136 points.

"We are glad with the win against Rwanda but we aren’t getting carried away. It’s a tricky situation for us. We don’t want to think about the goal average," the Italian tactician said.

"We want to stay focused and play our game. I’ve spoken to the players and they all know what this means for the country, so we have to stay focused,"  he stated during the post game press conference.

 
"Against Mali we’ll be on our best level. They’re a good team but we’re playing at home and we want all of our supporters to come out in their numbers and spur us to victory," Povia Added.

Rwanda had a night to forget with Kami Kabange the silver lining in the dark clouds with 16 points and 6 rebounds.

The African Qualifiers wrap up on Sunday with a clash of giants between Senegal and Nigeria before the Central African Republic take on Rwanda. Cote d’Ivoire end the qualifiers with a game against Mali.

FIBA