Cameroon Dominates Gabon in AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers Opening Match

Cameroon secured a 76-58 victory over Gabon in their first FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifying match, demonstrating dominance in the first quarter while Gabon improved in subsequent periods. Key players included Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Samir Gbetkom, with both teams looking to refine their strategies moving forward in the campaign.

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions claimed a solid opening victory in their FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifying campaign, defeating Gabon with a final score of 76-58. The match showcased a strong first quarter, wherein Cameroon established a significant 28-12 lead, thanks in part to Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba’s early three-pointers. Despite a stronger showing from Gabon in the second quarter and a rally in the third, Cameroon held onto their advantage to secure the win.

In the opening stages, Cameroon took control with back-to-back three-pointers, quickly establishing a commanding lead. Gabon attempted to counterattack, with Omar Siby and Lerry Rostand Essono Mvé adding points, yet they could not close the gap significantly. The second quarter saw Gabon improve, narrowing their deficit slightly but still trailing by 20 points at halftime.

As the game progressed, Gabon displayed more resilience, coming out stronger in the third quarter. However, they were unable to completely diminish Cameroon’s lead, culminating in a decisive fourth quarter that allowed Cameroon to seal the victory. Philibert Ateba, despite limited playtime, made a notable impact with an efficient shooting performance, contributing significantly to the team’s early lead.

The FIBA AfroBasket is a prestigious basketball championship in Africa, where national teams compete for qualification and rankings. Cameroon, ranked 64th, faced off against 135th-ranked Gabon, highlighting the disparity in experience and performance. The match was not only critical for the standings in the tournament but also served as a preparation for upcoming challenges, including a significant match against Senegal.

In summary, Cameroon commenced their AfroBasket qualifying journey successfully against Gabon, demonstrating their offensive prowess and resilience despite patches of difficulty. Coach Alfred Aboya emphasized the need for improvement in areas such as rebounding and ball security, while Gabon’s coach, Wilfried Cédric Dongo, acknowledged the necessity for adjustments in their gameplay approach. This encounter sets the stage for future contests, particularly the anticipated game against Senegal.

Original Source: www.fiba.basketball