Rwanda’s Three-Point Barrage Secures AfroBasket 2025 Spot with Dominant Win Over Gabon

Rwanda seal AfroBasket ticket with victory over Gabon

Despite Gabon dominating the paint 46-22, Rwanda threw everything at them from behind the arc, sinking 13 of their 37 attempts for a 81-71 victory that propels them to the 2025 AfroBasket.

Five treys for Rwanda in the opening quarter against Gabon to lead 24-16 was the start Cheikh Sarr must have envisioned as it proved crucial.

Gabon needed to beat Rwanda by 28 points or more to secure the last qualifying spot in their group, but Rwanda weren't letting that happen as Ntore Habimana led the way with 18 points, Alex Mpoyo adding 16 as Rwanda finished 2-4 in Group C.

"We are happy to qualify. Every edition we want to do better than we did in the last and this is our opportunity," assistant coach Yves Murenzi after the clash. "We have work to do ahead of the AfroBasket. We have to get centre players to help with rebounding and work on our defensive formations."

His sentiments were echoed by William Robeyns who says the team has to stay together. "We had some tough matches here and with missing big men we had to fight more. In the perimeter and forward position we are fine, we have good talents. We just need to be strong on defense and play to win every time."

Gabon took the second quarter 18-17 to head to the halftime break 41-34. Their 20 turnovers, however, slowed them down as Rwanda were able to take advantage to score 16.

"This has been an opportunity I have been looking forward to and I am grateful to have been part of the team. We fought together," former NBA player Chris Silva who recorded his third consecutive double-double on 13 points and 16 rebounds, said after his side's loss.

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{Photography/ Imagery courtesy of FIBA}