Weledji leads Cameroon to victory over Tunisia to stay alive

BAMAKO (FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017) – Cameroon survived an early scare to defeat a stubborn Tunisian side 64-49 at the ongoing FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 on Tuesday at the Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga Stadium in the Malian capital.

The North Africans led the first and second quarters 13-12 and 27-24 in that order but the Cameroonians, whose sole fate at this tournament relied on this game, kept within touching distance. 

"We had to stay focused in the game because we wanted to win. It was a difficult game and we gave it everything. We are happy we won." - Weldeji

Cameroon pulled away in the last quarter when they established a 10-point lead and did not look back, limiting the Tunisians to just nine points. 

Shooting guard Tia Weledji scored an impressive game high 22 points and picked seven rebounds to help the 2015 finalists maintain a sense of pride and dignity at this year's edition following their two defeats earlier. 

Her teammate Ramses Lonlack added 18 points with seven rebounds and four steals to the cause and indeed her decision making was key to Cameroon's win. 

This victory goes a long way in keeping Cameroon's hopes alive but they will keep an eye on the Cote d'Ivoire game against Tunisia on Wednesday. 

"We had to stay focused in the game because we wanted to win. It was a difficult game and we gave it everything. We are happy we won," Weledji explained.

She emphasized that it will be important for Cameroon to concentrate on their game against Mali, an uphill task that in itself will call for more than just determination but rather inward looking and ability to fight against a home crowd that is so intimidating. 

With the table leaders Angola, Mali and Mozambique already in the Quarter-Finals, the battle will go down to the wire with Tunisia and Cote d'Ivoire eyeing the remaining slot too. 

FIBA