Cameroon Advances to The Semi-Finals After a Hard-Fought Victory Over Rwanda

Cameroon made history by advancing to the semi-finals of the U18 AfroBasket after a thrilling win against Rwanda. Entering the knockout stage as one of the best third-place teams, Cameroon showcased their resilience, coming from behind to secure a significant 63-57 victory. The game was fiercely contested, with Rwanda demonstrating their offensive strength early on.

Rwanda took charge in the first quarter, leading 16-14, powered by efficient ball movement and sharp shooting. However, Cameroon responded with a relentless defense, stifling Rwanda’s attack and limiting their scoring opportunities. By halftime, Cameroon had flipped the script, holding a narrow 36-32 lead after an intense back-and-forth battle.

The second half was defined by Cameroon's gritty defense and rebounding, led by standout performances from key players. Seini Amadou, a dominant force throughout the tournament, delivered his fourth consecutive double-double with 15 points and a jaw-dropping 23 rebounds. His presence in the paint was crucial in controlling the pace of the game and limiting Rwanda’s second-chance points.

Herman Bell added to the Cameroonian tally, scoring 15 points and providing valuable support in both scoring and defensive contributions. His versatility on the court, combined with Amadou’s inside dominance, helped Cameroon maintain their lead in the crucial moments of the game.

On the Rwandan side, Lebson Kayijuka dazzled with a team-high 19 points, keeping his team in the game with his scoring bursts. Despite his efforts, Rwanda struggled to find consistent scoring support to match Cameroon's defensive intensity. Cameroon took total control of the game in the last minutes to secure their spot in the semi-finals. the game ended with a fair-play clock whine down from Rwanda and the score remained 57-63. Kayijuka’s performance, though impressive, wasn’t enough to push Rwanda past the quarter-finals.

The fact that we have been absent doesn't mean that we can't compete. We are here to win and go back home happy and proud, to pave a way for the other young categories.

Herman Bell expressed his feelings about winning and qualifying Cameroon for the semi-finals.

Cameroon's historic semi-final qualification marks a significant achievement, rewriting their journey in the AfroBasket tournament. Their ability to come back from a deficit and secure the win under pressure speaks volumes about their determination and growth as a team. With this victory, Cameroon will now turn their focus to the semi-finals, where they will look to continue their remarkable run and possibly challenge for the championship crown.

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[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]

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