LUANDA (Angola) – DR Congo kick started their 2023 FIBA AfroCan campaign with a close, yet convincing 70-63 win over Cameroon in Group D opener.

The defending champions’ determination to start their run on their best foot was key in winning the game.

Evariste Shonganya personified DR Congo’s hunger for the victory when Cameroon challenged the reigning AfroCan champions.

In addition to his 10 for 18 shooting rate to lead his team with 26 points, Shonganya also accounted for 10 rebounds and 3 assists.

Gamine Kande Kieli also chipped in 16 points, added to 15 rebounds to the winning cause.

Cameroon’s Cyrille Keumoe and Arnold Kome totalled 30 points between them, while Jean-Paul Guevara Njiki went on to contribute 12 points and 5 rebounds.

TURNING POINT: An intense opening quarter was all that both teams needed to get going. While it saw DR Congo lead 21-17, Cameroon eventually turned the tables around in the second quarter with a 21-18 run, resulting in a 38-38 score at half-time.

However, the third quarter proved too much for Cameroon, as admitted coach Louis Tsoungi. “We were hoping to build on something from their fatigue. But instead, we were surprised by their newfound energy."

From this point on, Cameroon chased the score, with DR Congo leading by as much as 8 points. The last quarter was definitely as intense as the first with Cameroon outscoring their opponents. But their efforts (14-13) did not amount to much.

Evariste Shonganya

HERO: Evariste Shonganya was the man-of-the-match DR Congo needed on their opening and he did a bit of everything to help his side grab what is already seen as a crucial win for the defending champions.

He filled in for Pitchou Manga's absence from the court when the latter had to be subbed due to injury. 

STATS DON'T LIE: DR Congo's mastery of rebounds was instrumental in winning the game. 50 rebounds, of which 21 on the offensive side of the court, were more than enough for them to kick start their campaign in Luanda.

Similarly, DR Congo's bench proved to be a worthy contribution to the winning cause, with 22 points, while their counterparts only managed 14.

But both teams seemed to have lacked some sharpshooter skills as DR Congo finshed 4 out of 26 and Cameroon 3 out of 18 from long range.

And finally, the 44 points from inside the paint went on to prove that the defending champions indeed meant business.

Reigning champions DR Congo opened their 2023 FIBA AfroCan campaign as they finished the previous one, with another win

BOTTOM LINE : DR Congo's total control of the game has been the key to their successful opening game. However, Cameroon put up a fight, giving the defending champions a good run for their money.

Both teams displayed aggression and competitiveness on the court, but the Congolese were far more realistic, specially during the third quarter when it mattered the most.

THEY SAID: "We came here with the aim of keeping our title. And we’re going to play each game like it’s the final. The coach is here to guide us to success. We, as athletes, know the steps to follow and we’ll do our best to reach the goal that was set.” – Evariste Shonganya.

FIBA