LUANDA (Angola) – DR Congo on Monday became the first team to qualify for the 2023 FIBA AfroCan Quarter-Finals after beating Mozambique 77-58.

It was the Congolese's second straight in Group D while Mozambique dropped to 1-1.

The reigning champions did not falter as they entered the court, controlling the game and directing the rhythm as much as they could.

With Pitchou Manga back on his feet DR Congo regained an important piece who contributed 8 points and 12 rebounds  in 28 minutes. 

Baggio Chimonzo - the only Mozambican to score in double digits - finished with 11 points.

TURNING POINT: There hasn't been a turning point in this game as the reigning champion DR Congo never trailed and led by as many as 25 points at some stages of the game.

And although Mozambique closed the gap to two points (35-33) at some point, it was a short-lived come-back attempt.  

Rolly Fula Nganga

HERO : Rolly Fula brought his A-game to the court and left with a man-of-the-match performance, finishing with 23 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal to help DR Congo extend their winning streak to 2-0 in Luanda.

Fula was 3 for 9 from behind the arc while finishing with 10-17 field-goal shooting. 

Evariste Shonganya was also on fire as he recorded a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds.

STATS DON'T LIE : DR Congo put up a strong display against a more modest Mozambique side to ensure the win.

The Congolese came up with 53 rebounds, 26 assists and 4 blocks en route to victory, while Mozambique finished with only 41 rebounds, 11 assists and 2 blocks.

These stats alone can explain why DR Congo are hot favorites and how they won the game at the Kilamba Arena on Monday.

Furthermore, their capacity to transition rapidly have allowed them to score 20 fast break points, 6 more that their opponent.

BOTTOM LINE: DR Congo now top Group D and will have to wait to find out who will be their next opponent.

However, the defending champions should be working on some very important aspects of their game if they want to keep the dream alive.

They might, for instance, want to work on their shots from behind the arc and improve their free-throws, a point they don't master yet.

Coach Pierrot Ilunga said previously that his side are capable of playing both from short and long range. "We can adapt our strategy according to the opponent," he added.

Nonetheless, they made a loud statement and they will be on everyone’s watchlist in the coming days.

THEY SAID : "Basketball is a team sport and we need to rely on each other for our games, especially now that we are headed to the Quarter-Finals. It's very important that we trust each other for the coming game as it's do-or-die as from now." Rolly Fula, DR Congo forward.

FIBA