Elan Sportif put ASPAC qualification dream on hold in Africa Champions Cup Zone 3 Qualifiers

LOME (FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2016) - In a historic rivalry between Benin clubs, Elan Sportif beat ASPAC 63-59 at Lome's Stade Eyadema on Tuesday night.

ASPAC entered the game following two straight wins over Nigerian side Customs and AS NIGELEC of Niger.

However, they were denied by a determined Elan Sportif, who were led by Vivien Tossou and Romario Akpachi.

Tossou and Akpachi combined for 32 points while ASPAC paid the price for turning the ball so many times.

With the score tied at 49-49 at the end of the third quarter, Elan Sportif took control of the contest, outscoring their opponent 14-10 to record their first win in the championship.

The woes of ASPAC were compounded in the opening minutes of the final quarter when their point guard Akpara Akita and coach Basile Klegou could not find an answer to stop Aurelius Kouko's offense.

The battle for qualification to the Final Round begins on Wednesday when Kano Pillars and Nigeria Customs do battle. Kano Pillars have 100 per cent record at this qualifiers and will hope to add Customs to their list of casualties.

Kano Pillars currently hold a 100 percent record thanks to two wins in as many games. Head coach Sanni Ahmed feels his team is in the competition to win the trophy and nothing will keep it from achieving that goal.

Meanwhile, Customs coach Scott Nnaji, who is happy about his team's second win over host AS Modele 67-57, noted that they are ready to play against any opponent while assuring that the right tactical choices would be made in all games.

"It will be tough against Pillars but we will give it our best shot. Basketball is a unique sport and everything is possible," he said.

FIBA