Meet the revelations of the 2023 African Games U23 3x3 event

 

ACCRA (Ghana) – No doubt the 2023 African Games U23 3X3 event produced sparks that saw Algeria Men and Mali Women emerge the new champions but beyond the gold medals, it also brought to the fore the most outstanding players.

RYAD LEFKIR (ALGERIA)

The victory of the Algerian national 3x3 basketball team that won gold at the 2023 African Games in Accra had plenty to be glad for especially as it turned out as the country’s best outing.

However, much of the effort for the sensational victory against Ghana goes to an exceptional team player in the person of Ryad Lefkir and top scorer in the final. The 21-year-old standing at 189 cm / 6'2" is an experienced player who knows how to win finals.

According to Algerian national coach and 3x3 basketball head coach Merouane Bouachir, Ryad knows the level of international 3x3 competitions well given his experience in the Algerian national team over several major events such as the Nations League in 2023.

"Ryad was part of the Champion team at the Arab Games in 2023 and is an essential asset for our team. He is the perfect complementary with our young offensive talents like Nael Yahiatene and Zaid Yahiaoui and our shock defender Mehdi Bouhmama.

"For me, the best player is not just a question of statistics, although it is part of it. He must truly be an integral part of his team's success, not just in one match but throughout a competition on and off the field. You are  a person just as important as who you are as a basketball player."

He insists that the team Captain Ryad Lefkir meets most of his sporting and human expectations. The coach describes the player as discreet in nature and temperate in character.

"He is a player at the service of the collective lot. He is quick and responsive on the field and one you can count on. His intelligence and humility makes him the perfect teammate. His strength is to be able in situations that decide the match, at the height of the stakes and the pressure, to find the resources to be decisive and it’s a real strength for the team. This is what made victory possible and even more beautiful for us."

The Algeria handler believes this is only the beginning of a great sporting story with his players to reach the ultimate goal of participation of the Algerian national team in the 2028 Olympics.

FATOUMATA SANOU (MALI)

The 13th African Games in Ghana was an excellent opportunity for Malian basketball in general and in particular 3x3 basketball to once again prove the quality of the training and the commitment of the leaders to the game.

Kadidia Coulibaly, Awa Coulibaly, Bintou Drama and Fatoumata Sanou were the players designated to defend the Malian flag during the games, a role that they played brilliantly and which resulted in the greatest reward of all, the gold medal.

Captain Sanou accompanied by her teammates found the strength and the will to win. According to Badra Aliou the girls were exceptional both tactically and technically. “They didn't give up until the end as they dethroned Nigeria.”

The former Mali U17 and U19 star did not leave anyone in doubt about her skills and guided her side to victory. Coach Aliou while praising the efforts of Sanou says: “All my regret is not seeing this beautiful generation at the Paris Olympic Games.”

FIBA