Côte d'Ivoire U18 Women Stun Liberia with Last-Second Winner in 52-50 Victory!

Côte d'Ivoire Stuns Liberia with Last-Second Buzzer-Beater in Thrilling Zone 3 Women's U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers 52-50 Victory!

In a dramatic and closely contested battle, the U18 Côte d'Ivoire women's team secured their first win against Liberia with a thrilling 52-50 victory in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers. The game was a testament to both teams' competitive spirit, providing fans with an exciting display of youth basketball.

Côte d'Ivoire started strong, establishing an early 8-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Their aggressive defence and efficient shooting allowed them to maintain their advantage, going into halftime with a 31-22 lead. Key players from Côte d'Ivoire effectively executed their game plan, capitalising on Liberia’s initial struggles to find offensive rhythm. 

The third quarter marked a significant shift in momentum as Liberia mounted an impressive comeback. Taking advantage of Côte d'Ivoire's clumsiness and turnovers, Liberia outscored their opponents, securing a 4-point lead. Liberia’s defence tightened, and their offensive strategies began to payoff, turning the tide in their favour or and setting up a tense final quarter.

The final quarter saw both teams battling fiercely, with the game tied at 47. Liberia managed to break the tie and seemed poised to clinch the win leading with a score of 49-50 as the clock wound down. However, Côte d'Ivoire’s determination shone through in the closing moments. With time expiring, Precillia Amalambian from Côte d'Ivoire delivered a clutch three-point buzzer-beater, sealing a dramatic 52-50 victory.

Côte d'Ivoire’s win over Liberia highlights their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The victory is a significant boost for Côte d'Ivoire as they aim to make a strong run in the qualifiers. Despite the loss, Liberia demonstrated their capability to challenge top teams and remain a formidable opponent in the tournament. This thrilling encounter sets the stage for more exciting games as the qualifiers progress.

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[Photography Courtesy of the FIBB]