Game Report: Guinea's hopes in the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup were dashed by a commanding 100-70 defeat to powerhouse France, starkly contrasting their earlier historic victory over China. The team's tournament trajectory has sharply declined since that high point, leaving them focused on salvaging pride as they prepare for their upcoming classification match.
Last Updated on
July 2, 2024
If one question needs to be asked:
Have the young Guineans forgotten their humbling defeat against the USA, where they suffered a 75-point thrashing (49-124), just hours ago?
Facing a crucial clash against France in their final group match, Guinea, buoyed by their earlier triumph over China (101-92), needed to display a different level of performance. Conversely, the French team lost their two matches to the USA and China.
Syli basketball competed fiercely in the initial quarter, even leading briefly 16-15. However, turnovers costing 21 points and 22 points conceded on fast breaks, not to mention points in the paint, saw Guinea falter. The French bench dominated with 29 points, leading to a deficit of 19 points (32-51) by halftime.
The third quarter showed improvement for Guinea, as they matched their opponents evenly with a score of 21-21. France maintained control, leading 72-53 in the final quarter despite this. Any hopes of a comeback were dashed as Guinea succumbed to a strong finish from the young French squad, who outscored them 26-17 in the last period.
Arfan Diane, a standout player for Guinea, once again provided a bright spot, leading his team in scoring with 17 points, tying with France's Hugo Yimga for the game's top scorer honours. With the final score 100-70 in favour of France, Guinea's campaign in the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup ended.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
