Zambia record first ever win over South Africa, keep FIBA AfroBasket 2017 qualification hopes alive
LUSAKA (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - Hosts Zambia stunned South Africa 82-71 in the third game of the ongoing FIBA AfroBasket 2017 Group G qualifiers on Tuesday to register their first win of the tournament.
A 20-10 lead in the first quarter set the pace for Cuthbert Tembo's side which was keen to avenge their opening day loss on Saturday.
South Africa, however, launched a comeback in the second quarter, outscoring Zambia 20-9.
Half time score @ZedAfroBasket 29:30 @BasketBall_RSA #BasketballSA
— Basketball SA (@BasketBall_RSA) March 28, 2017
At the beginning of the third period, South Africa took the lead 37-33 but a full court press on defense piled pressure on the visitors and Zambia took advantage to score 14 points and establish a seven-point lead at the end of the quarter.
Both sides scored 15 points apiece in the first five minutes of the last quarter but Zambia held onto their lead and recorded a memorable victory that will go a long way to boost their confidence.
Chona Chongo dropped a game-high 20 points, grabbed eight rebounds and made two steals to inspire his side to victory.
Teammate Abraham Mwansa finished 14 points and eight rebounds while captain Gosa Hamudulu netted 12 points and dished out five assists.
Zambia benefitted more from their off-the-bench players who scored 36 points including Chongo and Hamudulu compared to South Africa’s 14.
Zambia assistant coach Liz Mills told FIBA.com: "This is a historical moment for Zambia as it is the first time we have beaten South Africa at senior level. We are proud of how the team bounced back against Angola after our defeat to South Africa in the first game and we have now redeemed ourselves in Game 2 against South Africa. We want to make it right against the Angolans on Thursday night and we look forward to the challenge."
South African captain Neo Mothiba led by example in the paint collecting 10 rebounds to go with scoring 14 points, while teammate Jonathan Vdbijl dropped a team high 17 points and made an incredible 5 steals.
Tsakane Ngobeni added 10 points and picked seven rebounds but this effort was not enough to spur South Africa to victory against a charged Zambia side that was desperate for the victory.
This win saw Zambia improve to 1-2. They must defeat Angola on Thursday to stand any chance of qualifying for FIBA AfroBasket in Congo (August 19-30).
FIBA
