ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - Cote d'Ivoire moved a step closer to qualification to the 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket after beating Guinea 81-55 in the first of two games on Friday in Abidjan. 

"Les Elephantes'' of Cote d'Ivoire got off to a rocky start, losing the first quarter 13-12 to the Guinean team.

In a turn of events, the Ivoirians dominated the remaining the game against a highly-motivated Guinean side.

 
Cote d'Ivoire

Djefarima Diawara carried her team with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist. She was accompanied by Flora Ouraga, who scored 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists.

"We won this game because we were able to rely on our young players, who looked confident despite the fact that they were playing for the team for the first time," said Djefarima Diawara, who also showed her enthusiasm for the next game: "We'll come as if it we're meeting for the first game, because our aim is to get a place at AfroBasket, and that starts with qualifying. So we'll play this game like a final."

 
Kaba Masseny- Best scorer of the game

The Guinean team went into the match with a great deal of serenity, except for the fact that they couldn't count on their bench to beat the opposing team.

Guinean center Kaba Masseny led her team with fervour, pulling out all the stops with a double-double 26 point and 10 rebounds.

She remains confident that her team can win the next game: "Of course we're going to win this game. We'll just have to cut down on turnovers and play as a team."

Fatoumata Jallow and Nana John Soumah followed with 9 points, 3 assists and 8 points 1 assist, respectively.

The next game takes place on Sunday, July 2 at 1pm at the Palais des Sports in Treichville. A victory of more than 26 points will be needed to allow Guinea to qualify.

The winner of the two-game series will be added to Group C of the 2023 Women's AfroBasket alongside Angola and hosts Rwanda.

FIBA