Morocco's U18 Women’s Team Clinches Historic AfroBasket Ticket

Morocco's U18 Women’s Team Clinches Historic AfroBasket Ticket

The women's final was an unforgettable spectacle, packed with every element that makes sports thrilling: suspense, fierce competition, and a rollercoaster of emotions that saw tears of joy for some and disappointment for others. For Morocco, a nail-biting 52-49 victory at the end of the game has opened the door to their first-ever appearance at the U18 AfroBasket.

From the onset, predicting the winner between the hosts and the visitors was daunting, as both teams exhibited remarkable skill and tenacity, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Morocco held a slight advantage at the end of the first quarter, leading by two points (9-7). However, the dynamic play of Ines Boulboul and her teammates saw them extend their lead to a more comfortable eight points by halftime, with the scoreboard reading 30-22.

The break did little to dampen the intensity of the match. Both teams returned to the court with renewed vigour, determined to clinch the victory. Morocco managed to maintain a seven-point lead at the start of the third quarter, but Tunisia relentlessly chipped away at this advantage. Their efforts paid off, and they were only trailing by four points as the fourth quarter commenced.

The tension was palpable as the clock wound down to the final two minutes. Morocco's lead had shrunk to two points (49-47). At this critical juncture, Tunisia's Youmna Zaghouani showcased her skill, levelling the score with a brilliant effort in the paint. The pressure was immense, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric.

The final two minutes felt like an eternity for both teams. Each possession was crucial, and the stakes induced a noticeable nervousness, leading to several missed opportunities. In this high-pressure environment, it took the composure and precision of Morocco's Eiza Louveton to break the deadlock with a decisive three-pointer. With just a minute left, Morocco edged ahead once more. Despite Tunisia's desperate and wholehearted attempts to turn the tide, time was not on their side.

In stark contrast, the boys' final was a more straightforward affair but no less thrilling. It was a match dominated by Omar Karem and his teammates, who quickly asserted their dominance from the start of the game, establishing a nine-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The intense competition kept the audience on the edge of their seats as the Tunisian team struggled to find their rhythm and score effectively.

Tunisia improved slightly in the third quarter, narrowing the gap somewhat, but Morocco still held a comfortable lead of over ten points (61-50). The final quarter showcased Morocco's offensive prowess. They unleashed an onslaught, scoring an impressive 24 points while limiting Tunisia to just eight. This dominant performance culminated in a resounding 85-58 victory, securing their triumph in the boys' final.

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[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of the Moroccan Basketball Federation]