FIBA Afrocan: Defending Champions, DR Congo Beat Cameroon As Nigeria Face Mali

FIBA Afrocan: Defending Champions, DR Congo Beat Cameroon As Nigeria Face Mali

By Niyi Busari

DR Congo kick started their 2023 FIBA AfroCan campaign with a close, yet convincing 70-63 win over Cameroon in Group D opener.

The defending champions’ determination to start their run on their best foot was key in winning the game.

DR Congo's mastery of rebounds was instrumental in winning the game. 50 rebounds, of which 21 on the offensive side of the court, were more than enough for them to kick start their campaign in Luanda.

Similarly, DR Congo's bench proved to be a worthy contribution to the winning cause, with 22 points, while their counterparts only managed 14.

But both teams seemed to have lacked some sharpshooter skills as DR Congo finshed 4 out of 26 and Cameroon 3 out of 18 from long range.

And finally, the 44 points from inside the paint went on to prove that the defending champions indeed meant business.

Both teams displayed aggression and competitiveness on the court, but the Congolese were far more realistic, specially during the third quarter when it mattered the most.

In the other matches, Kenya defeated Cote d'Ivoire 62-52 while Rwanda edged Tunisia 61-67.

In Group B where D'Tigers are placed, Angola beat Mali 72-65 on Saturday. D'Tigers will tackle Mali at 3:30pm today (Sunday).