LUANDA (AfroBasket 2007) - Elhadji Ndoye scored 15 points as Senegal secured an 85-70 victory over Mali in their opening Group B game at AfroBasket 2007 in Angola.

Senegal, the silver medalists at the last edition of the tournament two years ago, held a 46-33 lead at half-time and never looked back.

Nouha Diakite poured in 15 points for Mali but it was not enough to stave off defeat.

Also in Group B, Egypt ran out 73-65 winners against Ivory Coast, building on their 36-34 advantage held at the halfway stage.

In Group C, 22 points from Ondia Churchill helped Nigeria to a 109-35 rout of Liberia, while Central African Republic ground out a 66-58 victory over Democratic Republic of Congo.

Bomayako Leonel scored 13 points for CAR, and coach Perrim Michelle said afterwards: "This victory increases our confidence levels. My players have done well.

"But I admit that against Nigeria it will be a different story because they are leading candidates to win this tournament."

Mali Freddy led all scorers with 15 points for DRC and was unable to hide his disappointment after the loss.

"We played a good game, but we lost some composure and this was fatal for us," Freddy said.

Cape Verde Island recorded an upset in their Group A opener against Morocco with an 85-80 win in overtime. The teams were tied at 70-70 after regulation time.

And in Group D, South Africa were beaten 72-66 by Tunisia despite 22 points and four rebounds from Neo Mothiba, while Brice Vounang poured in 16 points as Cameroon posted a 66-54 success against Mozambique.

Julio Chitunda

FIBA