RADES (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - Egypt hoped to upset hosts Tunisia, but it ended up a one-sided game.

Egypt's resilience was shortlived as Tunisia - inspired by Salah Mejri and Omar Abada - came up with a convincing 69-47 win on Day 2 of Group E of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers in Rades, near the Tunisian capital Tunis.

 It was Tunisia's eight straight World Cup African Qualifiers win, which ensured the African champions a place in next year's FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

 While Mejri protected the Tunisian paint as never seen before throughout the African Qualifiers, Abada powered the offense end with a selection of eye-catching plays.

Mejri, who won the battle of seven-footer centers against Omar Oraby, finished with 13 points, had game-highs nine rebounds and three blocks, while Abada contributed 15 points.

Despite Mejri and Abada's impact, it was Firas Lahiani who stole the show.

With the selection of blocks, acrobatic plays, and huge dunks, the 6ft7in (2.01m) forward sent local fans into a frenzy as he finished with 15 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

It's Tunisia's first World Cup qualification since 2010.

Assem Marei - the only Egyptian to score in double figures - finished with 14 points off the bench.

With the loss, Egypt dropped to a 4-4 record, trailing Cameroon by a point. 

While Egypt face Cameroon on Sunday, Tunisia go up against Angola.

FIBA