The top performers who lit up Day 1 of 2022 U18 African Championship
Day 1 of the FIBA U18 African Championship offered a number of jaw-dropping performances with some players sparking their respective teams when they needed them most.
ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) - Day 1 of the FIBA U18 African Championship offered a number of jaw-dropping performances with some players sparking their respective teams when they needed them most.
With Mali and Egypt displaying strong intentions, both teams have given us a list of names to follow in the coming days.
Here is a round-up of who did what during the inaugural day.
1. Mohamed Hendy (EGY)
On the day Egypt out-classed Angola 69-43, Hendy came up with his 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 14 efficiency.
He clearly set the tone for the Pharaohs who dream of conquering back their African crown last conquered in 2014.
Hendy is surely one to watch out for in the coming days as he vies for individual awards as well as the continental trophy.
2. Amadou Doumbia (MLI)
Doumbia went off to a strong start as the reigning champions fended off Rwanda on Day 1.
With 24 points, 9 rebounds and 100 percent success from the free-throw line, he played a major role in his side's success. The days ahead look promising for the 2.10m (6ft 11 in) center.
3. Dick Rutatika Sano (RWA)
Drawing Mali as first opponent is something most teams do not wish for. But this is exactly what happened to Rwanda.
On their opening game, Rwanda needed a hero, and this is what Dick Rutatika Sano was. He gave Mali a hard time while also netting 13 points, distributing 2 assists and taking 4 rebounds.
After suffering the loss against Mali, Sano will be looking to correct the mistakes and keep his teammates motivated.
4. Omar Klaled (EGY)
Instrumental in Egypt's comprehensive win over Angola, Klaled was at work on both ends of the court. Netting 14 points, grabbing 2 rebounds and adding 2 steals to his statistics, he showed cold-blooded efficiency when he needed to. He is definitely a name to watch out for and a key piece in Egypt's system.
5. Abdramane Kanoute (MLI)
Are we witnessing the birth of yet another Kanoute wonder-kid? Let's not be quick to assess.
But young Abdramane seems to perpetrate the love story between the Kanoutes and the national team. He is a cousin of Siriman Kanoute, who was named MVP of the 2018 FIBA U18 African Championship.
For his debut at the FIBA U18 African Championship, he displayed wits and intelligence of play as he caught 6 rebounds, stealing the ball 5 times, and netting 7 points along the way.
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