PRAIA (Cape Verde) - Day 2 of the FIBA U16 African Championship 2019 provided lots of drama as the race to the knock-out stages gets keener.

Guinea brighten their chances with another win this time over one of the title favourite Tunisia by 63-57 in Group B, while Cote d'Ivoire went down to Rwanda by 62-60 making it 0-2 for the Ivorians. 

The two Group A games saw three-time winners Egypt having the better of another former champion, Angola by 86-61, while Nigeria saw off hosts and debutants Cape Verde 64-39.

In our usual tradition we present the top 5 performers of the day but in no particular order.

Abdullah Ahmed (Egypt)

This youthful lad could be adjudged as the best player of Day 2 with an efficiency prowess of 35, followed with a double double figures of 19 points, 22 rebounds,  5 blocks.

Ahmed was massive for the Egyptians who were behind Angola with two points at Half-Time, but the 2.05m (6ft9in) provided the needed cover for his side in defense while contributing his quota on the offense.

Reuben Chinyelu (Nigeria)

The Nigerian forward stood out for the second time running with a double double of 20 points, 21 rebounds, 4 blocks and an efficiency rating of 33.

One thing about this 2.03m (6ft8in) forward is that he is a workaholic and does not backed down from challenges no matter how difficult it may be.

Moamen Abouzeid (Egypt)

Though he look unassuming in posture but can be very deadly if left unmarked. Abouzeid made the top 5 for a second consecutive day with a superb performance that saw him knocked down 23 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and efficiency rating of 16 to his side win over Angola.

James Okemirie (Nigeria)

Okemirie is making his first Top 5 performance after two games in the competition with a double double effort of 12 points, 19 rebounds, 3 blocks and an efficiency of 23.

The 2.01m (6ft7in) is capable of hurting any team if left unmarked as his style of play suits any play called by his coach.

Abraham Salami (Cote d'Ivoire)

Though his side has lost two straight games but 15-year-old Salami has not let down his contribution. 

The Ivorian forward can adapt to any position of play on the floor, and his effort was rewarded with a double double figures of 19 points and 10 rebounds with efficiency rating of 11 the highest by any player from his side.

FIBA