Gabon, Chad pick wins as Zone 4 Qualifiers draws closer

 

YAOUNDE (Cameroon) - Gabon raced to a 2-1 record Thursday after seeing off the Central Africa Republic 67-57 in Zone 4 Qualifiers of the 2023 AfroCan holding at the Palais Polyvalent des Sports in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Enjoying a 16-point (50-34) going into the final quarter, Gabon were able soak up the pressure mounted by the Central African side in the decisive quarter.

23-year-old Dolivitch Moupomo, who also had a double-double, led Gabon with 20 points and 9 rebounds.

The 2.01m (6ft 7in) was joined in double digits for their country by Jarode Meyet Aworet, who contributed 14 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, with Gaius Mewourou adding 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists for a second straight win for Gabon.

Happy Aworet told FIBA.basketball what has been the driving force behind the team two wins during the qualifiers: "I will say team spirit, hard work and dedication has propelled us  thus far and we can't afford to slow down."

Yasser Billy Bertin Kamagengue and Frederic Samedi combined for 30 points for the Central Africa Republic.

CHAD v EQUATORIAL GUINEA 

Chad, who lost their opening qualification to Gabon 54-52, returned to winning ways with an 82-57 victory over Equatorial Guinea.

After opening a 32-point advantage at the close of the second quarter (48-16), Chad slowed down the tempo of the game in the third quarter, which resulted in Equatorial Guinean some moments of free flow, scoring winning the quarter.

But Chad would eventually pick the last quarter (22-19).

Chad captain, Ronald Nato Kolmia led the floor with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals while Olivier Ndilngar recorded 12 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals with Placide Nakidjim grabbing 19 rebounds.

Equatorial Guinea will keep a date with Gabon at 15H00 while Chad will confront Cameroon in what promises to be battle for superiority at 18H00

FIBA