Chris Walter Nkurunziza challenges Senegalese player in the opening game of the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers
Rwanda senior men’s national basketball team face Cote d’Ivoire in a must-win encounter tonight after they lost to Senegal 89-94 in the opening game of the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers on Friday in Lagos, Nigeria.
Rwanda played 24-24 in the first quarter, lost the second quarter 12-24, returned to claim the third quarter 24-23 before sealing with a fourth quarter victory 39-23. Despite the good play, they could not overcome the solid Senegalese side courtesy of their excellent play maker Gorgui Dieng who scored a total 36 points.
Rwanda’s best performer was Kenny Gasana who scored 19 points followed by Dan Manzi who managed 16 points respectively.
Vladimir Bosnjak’s led side returns to court tonight when they face Cote d’Ivoire at 18:30. Cote d’Ivoire lost their match last night 73-84 to hosts Nigeria.
In other matches played in Lagos, Mali defeated Central Africa Republic while in Rades-Tunisia, Angola edged Cameroon 83-76, and Morocco lost to neighbours Tunisia 50-65 while Egypt beat Chad 99-83 respectively.
Rwanda will conclude her quest on Sunday when they take on Central Africa Republic.
The top two teams from groups E and F and the best third-ranked team will secure their tickets for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.
The inaugural 32-team edition of FIBA’s flagship competition will take place from August 31-September 15, 2019 in China.
FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers
Third-Phase
Saturday Fixtures
Lagos
Mali vs Senegal, 16:00
Rwanda vs Cote d’Ivoire, 18:30
Nigeria vs Central Africa Republic, 21:00
Rades
Cameroon vs Morocco, 16:30
Tunisia vs Egypt, 19:00
Chad vs Angola, 21:00
Friday Results
Central Africa Republic 65-66 Mali
Angola 83-76 Cameroon
Senegal 94-89 Rwanda
Morocco 50-65 Tunisia
Cote d’Ivoire 73-84 Nigeria
Egypt 99-83 Chad
