Libya shock Morocco in 2025 AfroBasket Pre-Qualifiers

 

MONASTIR (Tunisia) - It's party time across Libya as they edged out Morocco 71-63 in the decisive Game 2 of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Zone 1 Pre-Qualifiers on Tuesday in Monastir, Tunisia.

It was a two-game series that could have gone either way after the 75-75 draw in Sunday's Game 1.

However, Libya turned out stronger to clinch the only ticket on offer for Africa Zone 1 teams for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers.

Libya will stay in Monastir for a few more days to launch their AfroBasket Qualifiers campaign in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Nigeria and Uganda from February 23-25.

Libya led from the outset to the final buzzer, and managed their largest lead of 23 points, a moment that indicated who the winner of the series would be.

Although Morocco used a 10-0 run at some point, they had a night to forget, making just 2 of their 24 three-point attempts.

And to make matters worse, Gustavo Mendez's men were 15-for-31 from the charity stripe. 

Jihad Benchlikha  came off the bench to lead all Moroccans with 12 points, while Kevin Franceschi, who inspired Morocco with a game-high 25 points in Game 1, was limited to just 4 points on a 1-for-7 shooting in 22 minutes of action. 

Badr Eddine Azouga came up with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds, but his effort was unmatched by the rest of Morocco starting line-up who contributed 24 points.

Morocco's bench, on the other hand, was highly productive, outscoring Libya's 29-19, but it wasn't meant to be.

Libya, on the other hand, played smart basketball moving the ball exceptionally well, finishing with 18 assists against Morocco's 8.  

Jalal Salem Saeid had yet another man-of-the-match performance, leading all players in scoring with 19 points while adding 12 rebounds.

Naseim Ismail Salem Badrush added 16 points while Sofian Hamad and Ghayth Alrahman Almaghribi contributed 11 points apiece to see Libya make it through to the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers. 

The win means that 2017 AfroBasket semifinalist Morocco will miss out the AfroBasket for the second time in row, and might only be back at the 2029 edition of the tournament.

Libya, meanwhile, boosted their chances of returning to FIBA Africa's flagship tournament for the first time since 2009.

FIBA