Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions secured a 76-58 victory over Gabon in their FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifying match, demonstrating early dominance led by Philbert Ateba’s shooting. Despite a stronger showing from Gabon in the second quarter, Cameroon maintained their lead, with notable contributions from Tamenang Choh and Samir Gbetkom. The match highlighted areas for improvement for both teams as they progress in the tournament.
In their FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifying match, Cameroon triumphed over Gabon with a score of 76-58, powered by an impressive first quarter. The early dominance showcased the disparity in team rankings, with Cameroon holding the 64th spot compared to Gabon’s 135th. The Lions, propelled by Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba’s remarkable three-point shooting, secured a 28-12 lead in the first quarter, swiftly establishing a commanding position.
Gabon, however, improved in the second quarter, reducing the deficit to 50-30 by halftime despite Cameroon’s overall control. The Cameroonian squad maintained their lead, staving off a Gabonese comeback attempt in the latter stages of the game. Cameroon’s 50 percent three-point shooting in the first half proved instrumental, while Gabon struggled, achieving only 18.42 percent success from behind the arc.
Philbert Ateba played a crucial role, scoring four out of six three-point attempts within a limited 11:41 minutes on the court, rendering him a pivotal player in the initial phase. While Cameroon commenced their AfroBasket qualifying campaign positively, coach Alfred Aboya acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in rebounding and minimizing turnovers. Gabon’s head coach, Wilfried Cédric Dongo, reflected on their lack of aggression and low shooting percentage, emphasizing the necessity for adjustments moving forward.
The FIBA AfroBasket 2025 is an important tournament that highlights the capabilities of African basketball teams. For Cameroon, a historically strong basketball nation, qualifying and performing well in this tournament is crucial for maintaining their competitive edge. Gabon’s lesser ranking reflects their developmental stage in the sport, making matches against higher-ranked teams pivotal for their growth and experience. The outcomes of these qualifying matches set the tone for the teams’ performances in larger contests, including future tournaments and championships. The match between Cameroon and Gabon was a display of both talent and areas in need of improvement, particularly as the teams aspire for success in the African basketball landscape.
Cameroon’s victory against Gabon in their AfroBasket 2025 qualifying campaign illustrates the team’s potential and highlights the importance of strong foundational play, particularly in the early stages of a match. Despite their win, the areas pointed out by both coaches reveal opportunities for growth for both Cameroon and Gabon as they prepare for upcoming challenges. Effective execution and strategy will be paramount in their journey through the qualification rounds and beyond. Cameroon’s head coach stressed the importance of improvement, setting expectations high for their future matches, particularly the anticipated encounter against Senegal.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
