Egypt defeated Nigeria 72-60 in a thrilling U18 AfroBasket Group C opener, led by standout performances from Khadiga Abouelghait and Malak Elhemaly. Despite a late push from Nigeria, Egypt controlled the game and started their campaign strongly
Last Updated on
September 3, 2024
Having finished on the podium of the last two editions of the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket, Egypt was keen on hitting the ground running and making its continental ambitions known in its Group C opener.
The clash against Nigeria, silver medalists in 2010, was thus a big event for Egypt and a great way to demonstrate their basketball acumen.
From the first quarter, both teams quickly put up a flamboyant show thrilling fans and keeping the suspense at its apex. What looked like an initial Egyptian domination was quickly matched by a vibrant Nigerian side with thrilling end-to-end action. The first quarter ended as Egypt managed to scrap a one-point advantage to close the first quarter with a 21-20 lead. The second quarter resumed just at the same tempo in which the first ended and though Nigeria turned to their thrilling star Idubamo Beggi who finished the game with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, Egypt had Khadiga Abouelghait who scored 19 points and the incredible duo of Malak Elhemaly and Hana Mohamed Hathout who both hit double figures, cumulatively scoring 23 points as Egypt dwarfed Nigeria’s efforts to close the first half with domination of 43-32.
Despite Egypt's machinery being well-oiled, Nigeria made a stake for a resurgence in the third quarter after edging their opponents 16-15 in the third quarter. Egypt’s coach Mostafa Hadhood, who has been leading the team since 2022, is a perfectionist and after his second place in Madagascar has now cast his gaze on the competition’s trophy, hoping that his side will remain in fine fettle throughout the event.
"We are facing a difficult group with teams like Nigeria who will not give us any gifts" coach Mostafa Hadhood.
The last quarter though hotly contested was managed by Egypt and kept under control as they closed the final quarter 14-12 to cruise to a 72-60 victory.
Egypt’s victory was a good way to start the competition for them while Nigeria rued their chances having shot just 22% within the arc and outrebounding Egypt 62-51. Two-time U18 AfroBasket champions Egypt will be keen on continuing their winning streak while Nigeria knows they must quickly snap out of their first loss and get to winning ways to stand a chance of sailing out of the group stages.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
