Côte d'Ivoire U18 Men Dominate Benin in FIBA U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers Opener

Côte d'Ivoire U18 Men Dominate Benin in FIBA U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers Opener

In a commanding display, Côte d'Ivoire overpowered Benin with a 95-47 victory in the opening game of the FIBA U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers. From the onset, Côte d'Ivoire showcased superior tactics and skill, setting the tone for the tournament and establishing themselves as strong contenders for the one ticket.

Côte d'Ivoire took control early, demonstrating a well-coordinated offence and a stifling defence that left Benin struggling to find an answer to unlock. Their quick ball movement and precision shooting allowed them to build a significant lead. The Ivorian team excelled in exploiting fastbreaks and capitalising on turnovers, leading to a 37-point advantage by halftime.

Benin entered the game with an aggressive approach, attempting to match Côte d'Ivoire's intensity. However, they were plagued by poor shooting, particularly near the rim, and a high turnover rate. Despite their best efforts to penetrate Côte d'Ivoire's defence, Benin’s players frequently missed scoring opportunities, which only widened the gap as the game progressed. Their clumsiness in execution provided Côte d'Ivoire with numerous chances to score on the counterattacks and alley-hoops.

The second half saw Côte d'Ivoire continue their dominance, extending their lead with a combination of disciplined defence and efficient offence. They maintained their composure, capitalising on Benin's mistakes and converting them into points. The Ivorian players exhibited remarkable chemistry and depth, with multiple players contributing to the scoring. Their ability to execute plays under pressure and maintain a high level of energy throughout the game was a testament to their preparation and talent.

Several players from Côte d'Ivoire stood out, with their leading scorer, Zie Chieck Hassan Conde delivering a standout performance inside the paint as he shot 80% from the 2 point range scoring 18 points, four rebounds and one assist.

Despite the 20 points, and six rebounds from Zarifou Memen, the Cheetahs of Benin could not withstand the pressure from the Ivorians. The Ivorian team’s defensive anchors also played a crucial role, consistently challenging Benin’s attempts and securing rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities securing a total of 64 rebounds.

Côte d'Ivoire’s emphatic win in the opening game of the FIBA U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers sends a clear message to the competition. Their ability to dominate both ends of the court underscores their status as favourites in the tournament. Meanwhile, Benin will need to regroup and address their shooting inefficiencies if they hope to compete more effectively in their upcoming matches. This game highlights the level of talent and preparation required to succeed at this level and sets the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.

‍
‍

[Photography Courtesy of the FBBB]