DAKAR (Senegal) - Game-day 2 action of the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers in Dakar saw five players from four teams set themselves aside with spectacular performances.
Among the top performers of Saturday's action at Dakar Arena, two Congolese continued to make a case as some of the most impactful players in the tournament.
In this article, FIBA.basketball sheds light on how Kuany Atem Kuany, Mohamed Choua, Bamba Diallo, Jordan Sakho, Claude Christian Lutete ruled Game-day 2 action in Dakar.
CLAUDE CHRISTIAN LUTETE IV
Shooting Guard DOB: October 9, 1996 Height: 1.96m (6'5") Club: KK Bosna Royal Nationality: Congolese
When DR Congo looked to be on the ropes, Lutete came up with a number of lethal shots, including buzzer-beater three-pointer that triggered DR Congo's second win in as many games.
Lutete was 8-for-16 from the floor, including a 6-for-10 shooting from behind the arc to finish with 27. He even put his body on the line, grabbing eight rebounds, all in their painted area. And his two assists, in a single digits win, turned out vital.
BAMBA DIALLO
Guard DOB: March 15, 1996 Height: 1.90m (6'3") Club: Al Shabab Club Tripoli Nationality: Senegalese
Starting off the bench was never an issue for Bamba Diallo who made the most of his 18:04 minutes on the floor to win the hearts of Senegal fans, who showed up in big numbers in support of their heroes.
Diallo came on as the third point guard option, but, once on the floor, he looked more like a real starter. He even surpassed primary guards Brancou Badio and Jean Jacques Boissy who logged longer minutes on the floor.
Diallo shot 6-for-9m from the floor, finishing as Senegal's second leading scorer with 16 points.
KUANY ATEM KUANY
FORWARD DOB: March 27, 2000 Height: 2.10m (6'11") Club: Illawarra Hawks Nationality: South Sudanese
One thing that Kuany Atem Kuany was fully aware of is that being part of a talented-laden squad like South Sudan he needed to make an impact, especially as a newcomer to the team.
After shooting 1-for-3 in the first half, Kuany Atem Kuany stepped up in the second half, finishing South Sudan's 85-60 win over Mali with a team-high of 17 points off the bench.
That was a major contribution compared to his 6-point performance against Morocco the day before, which happened to be his debut with the South Sudanese senior team.
MOHAMED CHOUA
FORWARD DOB: December 25, 1992 Height: 2.00m (6'7") Club: Roven Metropole Basket Nationality: Moroccan
At the age of 31, Choua has been around for years, and, in moments like the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers where Morocco desperately needs his services to try and return to FIBA Africa's flagship tournament, Choua continues to deliver stellar performances.
Although Morocco lost to DR Congo (74-65), their second game in two days, Choua did everything he possibly could to change the course of events, leading his team in scoring (22 points), rebounds (9) and steals (3).
JORDAN SAKHO
CENTER DOB: April 4, 1997 Height: 2.09m (6'10") Club: Rio Breogan Nationality: Congolese
DR Congo's 74-65 win over Morocco in Game-day 2 of the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers was probably one of Jordan Sakho's best performances with the "Leopards'" jersey.
Sakho muscled his way through Morocco's defense to finish 16 points and 6 rebounds. He was terrific near the basket, shooting 7-for-9. He also dished out 3 assists.
Honourable mention:
Brancou Badio sparked Senegal's offense for the second game in a row finishing with a team-high 20 points.
Another impressive performance on Game-day 2 of the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, was Fabien Ateba, who sparked Cameroon to their second win in as many games in the Senegalese capital. Ateba finished with 17 points in Cameroon's 70-59 victory.
FIBA