Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions commenced their FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifying campaign with a decisive win over Gabon, scoring 76-58. An impressive first quarter laid the groundwork for their victory, despite a spirited effort from Gabon in the second half. Key players included Philbert Ateba and Tamenang Choh, who helped secure a strong lead, setting the stage for the next match against Senegal.
In the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifying match held in Dakar, Senegal, Cameroon’s basketball team, the Indomitable Lions, triumphed over Gabon with a score of 76-58, marking a successful start to their campaign. Strong performances in the first quarter set the pace for the match, showcasing the higher ranking of Cameroon at 64th compared to Gabon’s 135th. Early three-point shots by Philibert Ateba helped to build a commanding lead, while Gabon struggled to match the intensity throughout the game.
The first quarter saw Cameroon establish an early dominance, leading 28-12 at its conclusion. Although Gabon rallied in the second quarter, managing to narrow the points gap with a score of 18 against Cameroon’s 22, their comeback fell short. The turning point for Cameroon was their solid three-point shooting, with a successful 7-of-19 from beyond the arc, allowing them to maintain a comfortable lead even as Gabon attempted to mount a comeback in the second half.
Philbert Ateba played a crucial role in the first half, making four out of six three-point shots despite spending only 11:41 minutes on the court. Tamenang Choh emerged as the top scorer for Cameroon, contributing 13 points along with several rebounds, while his teammate, Samir Gbetkom, delivered 8 points along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists. However, Gabon’s struggles were evident, notably their low shooting percentage of 18.42 percent from three-point range, which hindered their efforts to close the gap.
Cameroon’s victory sets a strong tone for their AfroBasket campaign, though coach Alfred Aboya acknowledged areas requiring improvement, particularly in rebounding and managing turnovers. Gabon’s head coach Wilfried Cédric Dongo also recognized the need for adjustments, highlighting the team’s respect for Cameroon as a factor that hindered their performance. The competition will intensify as Cameroon prepares for its next matchup against Senegal, challenging them to elevate their game further.
The FIBA AfroBasket tournament serves as a premier continental championship for African national basketball teams, with qualification events essential for securing a spot in the final competition. The rivalry between Cameroon and Gabon is historically significant, with both teams seeking to assert dominance in Central Africa. Cameroon’s 64th global ranking positions them favorably, while Gabon’s lower 135th rank indicates their struggle within the international basketball community. The opening match against Gabon was a crucial test for both teams as they aimed to establish momentum in the qualification round for AfroBasket 2025.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon kicked off their FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifying campaign with a commanding victory against Gabon, demonstrating their superiority in rankings and performance. Despite a challenging second half, Cameroon’s strong first-quarter play and effective three-point shooting proved pivotal. As they prepare for a critical matchup against Senegal, both coaches have indicated areas for improvement, revealing the competitive stakes involved in this qualification journey.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
