End of the road for host Rwanda after shocking loss to outsiders Guinea, Angola advance

 

KIGALI (Rwanda) - Guinea on Monday caused another shocking result after beating hosts Rwanda 72-68 to advance to the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA AfroBasket 2021.

Two days after beating Egypt - one of Africa's heavyweights - in Group B's last game, a result which ensured Guinea a place in the Qualification Round to the Quarter-Finals, Guinea on Monday rallied from a 11-point deficit to determine the end of the road for hosts Rwanda.

Whatever happens to Guinea for the remaining of the tournament, this has been an incredible story for a team that lost to Rwanda by 20 points (75-55) in their first meeting four years ago in Tunisia.

Guinea entered the AfroBasket 2021 as the lowest-ranked team (No.21 in Africa), but they continue to show a tremendous competitive spirit.

Prince Ibeh and Kenneth Gasana - the only Rwandans to score double digits - combined for 38 points in the hosts' poorest performances in the tournament. 

Although the game registered fifteen lead changes, Rwanda seemed in control of their AfroBasket 2021 destiny, but Guinea weren't prepared to give easily. 

Mohamed Queta came off the bench to rescue his team from what looked like an imminent elimination. He scored seven of his 13 points in the last four minutes, grabbed seven rebounds, a performance crucial enough to propel Guinea to one of their most famous victories in the history of the tournament. 

With the win, Guinea reached the Quarter-Finals for the first time since 1962 when they finished fifth in the inaugural edition of the African Championship in Cairo, Egypt. 

Guinea will face neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire in the Quarter-Finals on Wednesday.

Carlos Morais

In the first game of the day between two former African champions, Angola outscored Egypt 70-62 to return to the Quarter-Finals for the 21st time since 1980.

Former AfroBasket MVP Carlos Morais scored 12 of his game-high 16 points from beyond the arc, Gerson 'Lukeny' Goncalves added 23, and rising star Gilson Bango took care of the boards' battle to finish with a game-best eight rebounds.

Angola have improved their mark to 2-2 before they take on old rival Senegal in the Quarter-Finals on Wednesday. 

FIBA