Cote d’Ivoire bag second win in Group D

 

CAIRO (Egypt) - FIBA AfroBasket reigning silver medalist Cote d’Ivoire have made it 2-0 in the opening window of the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers after a 93-67 victory over Central Africa Republic (CAF) at Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo.

Unlike their performance against Madagascar where they had a slow start and struggled to pick a 77-69 victory, it was total dominance from the get go for John Douaglin's charges, carrying the day on all fronts for the convincing win.

In the opening seven minutes, the silver medalists created a 10-point cushion with Jean Dally and day one hero Alexander Poythress leading the charge with 8 points each as the side went on to lead 28-16 in the opening quarter.

Another big quarter meant the Ivorians could rest easy in the second half, going 26-20 in the third and even allowing CAF to dominate in the final period 14-16, seeing no imminent threat yo their second win.

TURNING POINT: It was an all-Ivorian show from the first whistle. Stopping CAF's dangerman Evans Ganapamo who had managed 27 points against Egypt, restricting him to 15 and Allan Dokossi to just 4, with 8 rebounds proved a game changer for the reigning silver medalists.

GAME HERO: Assemian Moulare was switched on from the onset, finishing with a game-high 25 in efficiency, contributing 12 points, 7 assists, 5 steals and 4 rebounds  His presence was felt on both ends of the court despite not emerging the top scorer.

Day one hero, Alex Poythress, remained the side's top scorer, sinking 17.

STATS DON'T LIE: Being outscored 28-16 and 24-15 in the opening half gave CAF an herculean task in the second half which they started with a 22-point deficit.

With only two assists against Cote d'Ivoire's 13 in the first half meant coach Lautie Sylvain's charges needed to do better offensively which they failed in, not for lack of trying.

Cote d'Ivoire's dominated the paint 44-20 with their bench also doing some real damage with a 40-28 comparison. 35 points from fast breaks against CAF's 2 and 25-09 from turnovers buried any hopes Sylvain's charges had for a first win.

BOTTOM LINE: CAF have one last chance to bag a win in the first window when they take on Madagascar, a feat that would put them in the path for qualification. As for Cote d'Ivoire, they seem to have overcome their slow start but they face their toughest challenge when they take on top ranked (in the first window) Egypt who are enjoying home court advantage.

WHAT THEY SAID: "This was a more intense game but unlike the opening match, we had a better start. Our rebounding was also better." John Douaglin, head coach Cote d'Ivoire. 

"Cote d’Ivoire had a strong start and our response was a bit slow and this put us in a difficult situation right from the start. They were also very physical and that made it difficult on my players to distribute the ball as well.as we would have wanted. As we head to final match against Madagascar, we hope to adjust some of these things to ensure we pick a win." Lautie Sylvain, head coach Central Africa Republic.

FIBA