The first round of matches in the Group B and D of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup yesterday kicked off in Bamako, Mali and Maputu, Mozambique respectively with Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Mozambique securing an advantage.
In Group D first match, despite Central African Republic Destin Damachoua scoring 20 points, Senegal managed to see them off with a 5-points margin (70-65) to book their first win. CAR took charge of the first quarter 19-17, but failed to do the same in the last quarter as both teams shared points 18-18 in the second before the Lions dominated the last two 19-18, 16-10.
Later in Group D, host nation Mozambique delivered the needed result to their home supporters. The East African nation ousted Cote d’Ivoire 66-53 to join Senegal as the first two winners in the group. Pio Augusto da Silva Matos was the top performing player of the Mozambique. He got a team high 15 points; four points behind Cote d’Ivoire’s Noe-Charles Abouo who scored a team high 19 points,
The second group matches will be held today as Cote d’Ivoire take on Senegal and CAR battle Mozambique.
Elsewhere in Group B, the biggest win in day-one fixtures went to the D’Tigers of Nigeria following a 102-86 win over Uganda in Bamako. Uganda, through top performer Robinson Odoch won the first quarter 18-11. The Ugandans later increased their points in the remaining quarters; unfortunately, it was Nigeria impressive comeback that proved significant. The D’Tigers won the last three quarters 36-29, 28-10 and 27-20 respectively.
Lastly, it was an empathetic win for Rwanda and an embarrassment for host Mali that started their qualifiers with a defeat in front of their home fans. Kenny Gasana was Rwanda’s top performing player. He netted in 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals to help his side defeat Mali 74-70.
In today’s matches, Nigeria will take on Rwanda, while Mali and Uganda will hit the court in the final group match.
Image: FIBA
