Cameroon secured a 76-58 victory against Gabon in their FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifying debut. A stellar first quarter, led by Philibert Ateba, placed Cameroon in a dominant position. Despite Gabon’s improvements in the second half, Cameroon maintained their lead to finish strong, setting the stage for upcoming matches against top rivals like Senegal.
In their FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifying opener, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions secured a decisive 76-58 victory over Gabon, demonstrating superior form particularly in the first quarter. Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba set the tone early, sinking two consecutive three-pointers that propelled Cameroon to a quick 10-0 advantage. Despite Gabon’s attempts to close the gap with Omar Siby’s scores in the paint, Cameroon’s dominance continued, ending the first quarter 28-12.
The second quarter saw an improved performance from Gabon; however, Cameroon maintained control, heading into halftime with a substantial 50-30 lead. Coach Alfred Roland Aboya’s strategy proved effective as his team successfully hit seven three-pointers in the first half, establishing a strong foundation for their victory. Although Gabon managed a commendable effort in the third quarter, narrowing their deficit, Cameroon held firm in the final period, ultimately sealing their inaugural win in the qualifying series.
Philbert Ateba, despite limited playtime of just over 11 minutes, made a significant impact with his sharpshooting. He finished the game with an impressive conversion rate from beyond the arc. Tamenang Choh led the scoring efforts for Cameroon, narrowly missing a double-double, while Samir Gbetkom rounded out the top performers with a notable contribution in points, rebounds, and assists.
Statistical disparities, particularly in shooting percentages and efficiency, hindered Gabon’s ability to mount a successful challenge. Coach Dongo acknowledged the need for adjustment to facilitate a more aggressive game strategy moving forward in the competition. As Cameroon prepares for their critical match against Senegal, the lessons learned from this encounter will be vital.
The FIBA AfroBasket tournament serves as a crucial platform for African basketball nations to compete for supremacy and showcase their developing talent on an international stage. The 2025 qualifying rounds mark significant preliminary steps for teams vying for the final tournament set to take place in Ivory Coast. Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions, ranked 64th globally, entered the contest with the intent to assert their dominance against 135th-ranked Gabon, emphasizing the importance of this match as a stepping stone in their campaign.
Cameroon’s commanding performance in their opening match underscores their potential for success in the FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers and raises expectations for their forthcoming challenges. The initial triumph, juxtaposed with Gabon’s struggle for offensive effectiveness, provides both teams with critical insights for improvement. As they advance, the competition will intensify, particularly with upcoming encounters against formidable opponents like Senegal, which necessitate continued adaptation and strategic finesse.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
