Game Report: Senegal outclassed Gabon 101-58 in the AfroBasket 2025 qualifiers, buoyed by Brancou Badio (20 points) and a relentless defence. Despite a surge in the second quarter, the Gabonese were unable to keep pace with the Lions of Teranga, who are now set to face Cameroon in an eagerly-awaited clash.
Last Updated on
November 26, 2024
Who can stop Senegal? That's the question on everyone's lips after the impressive performance of Brancou Badio and his team-mates against Gabon on the second day of Group A of the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. In front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Dakar Arena, the Lions of Teranga outclassed their opponents, winning by a resounding score of 101-58. With two wins in as many games, Senegal are clearly showing their ambitions in this qualifying window.
The context of this match already suggested an imbalance. Ranked 27th in Africa, Gabon did not have the same weapons as Senegal, a veritable continental behemoth.
However, the Gabonese had not come here as expiatory victims, as their coach, Wilfried Cédric Dongo, explained before the match:
"We've come here expecting to win one game, and we have one last matchup tomorrow."
But from the outset, the Lions set the pace. Senegal quickly took the lead, relying on their well-oiled collective and brilliant individual players. Brancou Badio, the team's metronome, got the ball rolling with a series of decisive moves, closely followed by Moustapha Diop, Karim Mané and pivot Gora Camara. The result: a thunderous 13-0 start that stifled any attempt by Gabon to resist.
Looking for solutions, Gabon finally found the breakthrough four minutes from the end of the first quarter thanks to a three-pointer from Farrel-Drexler Dimidimba. But this spark was not enough to revive the Fauves, who found themselves dominated in every respect. At the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard scored 22-5 in favour of the Senegalese.
Despite this disastrous start, the Gabonese never gave up. In the second quarter, they raised their game, taking advantage of Senegal's slackness to even the score. Hermann Junior Boukosso Igouwe took charge, while Omar Siby contributed on both sides. The combined efforts of the Fauves enabled them to hold off the Lions, snatching a draw in the quarter (24-24).
Badio was full of praise for Gabon's performance at the press conference.
"It was a tough game. We had to match their intensity. This is not a game we can rely on as a test, because it was an easy win. Tomorrow's game will be something else."
Despite this temporary improvement, the gap at half-time remained considerable, with Senegal comfortably in the lead (46-29).
The return from the break marked the end of Gabon's illusions. Senegal, reinvigorated, played an exceptional third quarter, inflicting a scathing 31-12 defeat. Badio again set the pace, ably assisted by Bamba Diallo and Makhtar Gueye. The aggressive and disciplined Senegalese defence suffocated the Gabonese, forcing them into more loose balls and hasty shots.
The Lions took great pleasure in turning every mistake into easy points, whether in quick transitions or on long-range shots. The third period was a real show of strength, bringing the score to 77-41 and virtually sealing the fate of the game even before the final quarter.
Senegal did not relinquish their grip in the final quarter. While managing their lead, the Lions continued to dominate, winning the period 24-17 to reach a final score of 101-58, the highest of this qualifying window.
Badio spearheaded his team again, finishing top scorer with 20 points and three rebounds. He was supported by Bamba Diallo (16 points, three rebounds), Makhtar Gueye (13 points, four rebounds) and Moustapha Diop, who came close to a double-double with 10 and nine rebounds.
On the Gabonese side, despite the setback, Hermann Junior Boukosso Igouwe came out on top with his team's best score (11 points). Omar Siby also made a significant contribution with 10 points and eight rebounds. The win puts Senegal in an ideal position ahead of their group rivals Cameroon. The two teams, unbeaten with a 2-0 record, will battle it for the top spot in an eagerly-awaited clash.
For Gabon, on the other hand, the stakes will be quite different. Victory over Rwanda in their final match will be imperative to keep their hopes alive in these qualifiers while also sending a clear message to their future opponents: the Lions of Teranga are ready to roar to the top of Africa, as Desagana Diop mentioned.
[Photo/Imagery : Courtesy of FIBA]
