DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) – Burundi confirmed on Wednesday why they are among the top favorites to fight for the solo ticket for Zone 5 teams for the 2023 FIBA AfroCan to be held in Angola (July 8-16) when they upset Rwanda 53-52.

It was one of the most epic games of the regional qualifier.

There was emotion In the second game of the day too as South Sudan won back-to-back to improve to 2-2 after beating hosts Tanzania. 

BURUNDI v RWANDA

Landry Ndikumana was, once again, Burundi’s go-to man and saviour in a dramatic twist of events.

With only three seconds left and Burundi trailing 52-51, Guibert Nijimbere found Ndikumana who converted the game-winning layup to shock neighbouring Rwanda. 

Guibert Nijimbere

Seconds earlier, an attempt from behind the arc by Jean-Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, who could have definitely sealed the game for Rwanda, availed to nothing.

But how did the game turn so dramatic ?

It all started out quite well for Rwanda, who finished the first quarter with a three-point lead (18-15) before heading into half-time with a 36-31 lead.

Rwandans kept their cool in the third quarter, and entered the court for the final stretch with a small, yet palpable advantage (46-39).

It was then that the Burundian heroes rose to the occasion.

Nijimbere delivered 5 assists, three of which during the final minutes of the game, recorded one steal, and scored a total of 13 points during the 26 minutes he spent on the floor.

Similarly, Ndikumana grabbed 15 boards, of which 12 on the defensive end, and contributed 7 points to the winning cause.

Rwanda’s Nshobozwabyosenumukiza concluded the match-up with a game-high 18 points, while grabbing 6 rebounds.

The win keeps Burundi with a perfect record (4-0) while Rwanda dropped to 3-1.

The next game between Burundi and Rwanda will determine Zone 5' representative at the 2023 FIBA AfroCan. 

SOUTH SUDAN GET BETTER

South Sudan also improved their rankings and will face off Tanzania for the second time, this time in a bid for the third place after they beat Tanzania 54-46.

The South Sudanese took control of the game from the first quarter, and though they faced some alerts in the last two stretches, they had already built up enough margin to see off the hosts in the end.

Heading into the second quarter with a 18-8 advantage, South Sudan kept going and had a 13-point advantage at half-time.

Aluk Lual Adub finished the game with 14 points and 6 rebounds; David Deng had 12 points and 3 rebounds and Koch Deng Aguer Bar contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds in the winning cause.

South Sudan remained on Tanzania’s heels in the third and fourth quarters, while Enerico Maengela sank a total of 12 points in an attempt to help his side get back in the game.

David Deng Kongor Deng

But these efforts were to no avail, because even though Tanzania claimed the last two quarters (12-11) and (11-7), the damage was already done.

DO-OR-DIE DAY

Gameday 6, on Friday, June 23, will be a do-or-die day for every team involved in this regional qualifier for the 2023 AfroCan.

While Eritrea have already been ruled out of the race, with a 0-4 mark, the stage is set for Burundi and Rwanda, who will have to battle for the only ticket available.

Burundi come with the advantage of being the only undefeated nation in these Zone Qualifiers, while Rwanda will be seeking revenge.

Eyes will also be set on hosts Tanzania and South Sudan, as the former will be seeking revenge from the defeat they encountered in Game Day 5.

FIBA