ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) – Cote d'Ivoire left nothing to chance against Benin on the opening day of the 2023 FIBA AfroCan Qualifiers for Zone 3 taking place at Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan.

The host came into the game ready to ensure that they had control while keeping Benin at bay. Cote d'Ivoire prevailed 74-58.

The game, which saw Lionel Kouadio as the go-to-go man for Cote d'Ivoire pouring 22 points to lead the floor, had the home team win the first three quarters, but came short in the last quarter, losing 14-11.

The victory according to Mike Fonana of Cote d'Ivoire was a good start for them.

The forward, who plays for Abidjan Basket Club (ABC) in the Ivorian League stated: "The game today was great and we started off defending from the start because it is the key to winning any game. However, we will pay more attention to details when we face Guinea."

GUINEA OUTSCORE NIGERIA

Earlier on Friday, Guinea shocked Nigeria with a 65-62 win to boost their chances of fighting for the sole ticket available in the Qualifiers.

Nigeria, still smarting from the failure of not qualifying for this summer's World Cup, started the game on a bright note winning the first quarter by 20-14 but the second quarter went to the Guineans who exuded confidence to take it by 22-11.

On resumption of the second half, the Nigeria side came back strong winning 18-13 to secure the third quarter and tied the game at 49-49.

However, Guinea were the more determined side as they fought their way back into the game in the last quarter 16-13 to nick a win over Nigeria.

The victory proved the continued development of the Guineans. who lost all their three games at the 2019 FIBA AfroCan.

Captain of Guinea Ibrahima Kalil Fofana described his team's victory as a sweet revenge noting that they had to stay focused and played aggressively to achieve their goal and taking victory against Nigeria.

"The game against Nigeria was very tough and hard but we had to stay focused, knowing that we had lost twice to Nigeria [during the World Cup Qualifiers]. It's a good revenge for us against Nigeria and we now look forward to playing against Cote d’Ivoire. We know it will also be a tough encounter but we will give our best in ensuring that we win,” the point guard told FIBA.basketball.

Mara Mambourou who had a double-double score of 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block and 1 steal said that having won against Nigeria.

He is looking forward to the games against Cote d'Ivoire and Benin with the hope of securing the ticket.

Nigeria's Ibe Abuchi, who scored 13 points to lead the floor for his side, said it was sad to have lost the game to Guinea but assured that they will bounce back stronger in their remaining games.

"It's unfortunate that we lost but that's basketball. We will give our best in the other two games," Abuchi said.

The winner of this Qualifiers will join Kenya and Gabon in Group A at FIBA 2023 AfroCan, which tips off later this week in Luanda, Angola.

FIBA