ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) - Algeria (men) and Benin (women) dominate on Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 Africa 2024 on November 29.
TEAMS
ALGERIA (men)
The men from Algeria could do no wrong on opening day of the Africa Cup as they went 2-0 to start things off.
They faced off against Egypt first, a marquee matchup between two colossal teams. However, it was Algeria who took off and never looked back. Chakib Sedoud caught fire and put up 15 points in a 21 - 12 victory.
They faced Central African Republic next which proved to be an even bigger thumping. Ryad Lefkir dominated with 11 points in a 21 - 4 domination.
They hold a major advantage heading into the remaining pool games tomorrow.
BENIN (women)
Benin swept through competition on opening day, showing grit and resilience on the way. They battled all the way to OT against Comoros in their opener. Aisha Kondoh put up 8 points and 15 rebounds while Veronica Keita got a 9 point - 9 rebound game in the thriller win.
it was a big rebounding game for Keita in their next game against reigning champs Kenya where her 10 boards shined in a 12 - 10 result.
On the men’s side, the other teams to go unbeaten on the day were Rwanda, Mauritania and home side Madagascar.
Egypt and Madagascar were the other teams to go unbeaten on the women’s side.
PLAYERS
ELLY RANDRIAMAMPIONONA (men)
The star from home side Madagascar was crucial on their unbeaten record on day 1. He put up 10 points in their opener against Benin before repeating the heroics in their next game against Seychelles. His playmaking and elite scoring was the hub of Madagascar’s offense as they’ll rely on him going forward.
HABIBA MOHAMED (women)
The Egypt star was running the show for her side in their game against Uganda. She put up a team-high 8 points but what stood out was her ability to orchestrate the game for her side.
They got a lot more competition to face, and they’ll need Mohamed to shine if they hope to go far.
DAY 2
Pool play continues tomorrow as we cement our knockout phase teams. Tune in LIVE tomorrow to catch the culmination of pool action