DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) – Rwanda got one step closer to the Final of the FIBA AfroCan Zone 5 Qualifiers after fending off host nation Tanzania 77-57 on Tuesday at the Benjamin Mkapa Indoor Court in Dar Es Salaam.

In the first game of the day, South Sudan grabbed a precious win after beating Eritrea, who can’t seem to make things work out in the Tanzanian capital.

Rwanda’s victory bears the mark of Jean-Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza. The 1.83m (6 ft) point guard accounted for 20 of his team's 77 points.

Jean-Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza

Two other players had double digits to their credits: Dieudonne Ndizeye with 13 points and 4 rebounds, and Cadeau de Dieu Furaha, who finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals.

Rwanda controlled most of the game from the tip-off. With two runs amounting to a 31-point lead at half-time, they eventually put their feet down during the third and fourth quarter.

So much so that Tanzania claimed the last two quarters, (18-14, 18-11) but the damage was already done.

Tanzania boldly played their chances as they out-rebounded Rwanda on both ends of the court, with an impressive total of 40 units as opposed to Rwanda’s 29 rebounds.

Rwanda’s success, however, was built on three-pointers, scoring 14 of their 39 attempts, thus accounting for more than half their total, free throws (9 out of 10) and a better field goal percentage (44.26 to 35.19) than Tanzania.

The hosts have nothing to regret as two of their players finished with double digits to their names. Fotius Ngaiza Felesian accounted for 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Mwalimu Kijogoo also scored 14 points, but grabbed only 6 boards.

SOUTH SUDAN RECORD FIRST WIN

South Sudan celebrated their first win at the Zone 5 Qualifiers as they easily overcame Eritrea in Game Day 4.

A more realistic South Sudan side paved their way to victory as quickly took the game in their hands.

Ajak Samuel Garang Ajak

Leading 11-0 with 7 minutes to play in the first quarter, they headed into the second quarter with an 8-point lead (19-11).

They led by as much as 16 points during the second quarter to end up with a 20-point advantage at half-time.

It was at that time that Ruai Gatyang Yar Luak (13 points), Aluk Lual Adub (15 points), Ajak Samuel Garang Ajak (10 points, 8 rebounds), and Joshua Garang Garang Athian (12 points, 5 rebounds), rose to the occasion and secured South Sudan's advantage.

They also safeguarded their side, grabbing 18 defensive rebounds while being active at the offensive end with 35 boards.

By the third quarter, they already had their hands on the victory. 

GAME DAY 5 : MAKE OR BREAK RWANDA FOR RWANDA AND BURUNDI

Game Day 5, on Wednesday June 21, will see the epic clash between two undefeated teams, Rwanda and Burundi, each seeking to improve their streaks to 4-0. The winner will also claim the top spot of the Group.

The second game will be the one see Tanzania seek redemption after their defeat. To find solace, they need to defeat a South Sudan side who have gained newfound ambitions.

FIBA