Cameroon secured their spot at the 2025 AfroBasket Championship with a dominant 82-67 win over Gabon in Rabat. Led by Jeremiah Hill and Ateba’s sharpshooting, the Lions controlled the game, overcoming Chris Silva’s 34-point effort to become the first Group C team to qualify.
Last Updated on
February 22, 2025
Cameroon stormed past Gabon 82-67 in a pivotal clash on Thursday in Rabat, sealing their qualification for the 2025 Afrobasket Championship, which will take place in Angola. With the victory, Cameroon became the first team from Group C to book their ticket for the prestigious tournament, improving their record to 3-1.
From the outset, Cameroon knew the importance of a strong start, and they delivered. The game started with Ateba draining two consecutive three-pointers, giving the Lions an early 6-1 lead. Although Gabon responded with an 8-0 run, the Cameroonians quickly regained control, surging ahead to a commanding 42-27 lead by halftime. They were in cruise control, leading by as many as 18 points in the second quarter, thanks to a 15-0 run that left Gabon struggling.
Jeremiah Hill led the balanced offensive attack, with five Cameroonian players reaching double-digit points. Ateba's sharp shooting, including a stellar 5-for-7 from beyond the arc, contributed 16 points to the team's cause. On the other hand, Gabon's hopes rested solely on Chris Silva, who delivered an outstanding individual performance with 34 points and 14 rebounds in his debut with the national team. However, a staggering 13 turnovers hindered Silva's efforts, and no other Gabonese player scored more than five points.
Despite Silva's brilliance, Cameroon's defense and poise were too much for Gabon to overcome. The Lions' suffocating defense stifled any chance of a Gabonese comeback, forcing 21 turnovers and making just 25 of 43 free throws. Cameroon's victory, built on solid team play and explosive shooting, ensures their place in Angola for the 2025 Afrobasket.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
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