Romdhane show as Dokossi rises to summit

MONASTIR (Tunisia) - Of newbies and veterans enjoying the limelight to ride the wave and lead their teams to victory in tense encounters at the ongoing FIBA AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers on Saturday. 

The realization of registering double double digits at the end of the game and eventual big smiles and pats on the back from teammates, the coaching staff and opponents alike is a fulfilling reminder about the sportsmanship that exists in basketball. 

At the Mohamed Mzali Stadium in the coastal city of Monastir, the stage has been set for those who can inspire their teams to big performances and on Saturday, we have selected three best performers of the day. 

Allan Julien Dokossi (Central African Republic)

Out of the shadow of captain Max Kouguere who spent most of his energy in Friday's big win against Democratic Republic of Congo, Dokossi emerged to lead his side against the Malagasy side that at some point held close to a double-digit lead over CAF. 

"I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY TEAMMATES WHO MADE ME SHINE TODAY. I HAD TO DO MY PART TO INSPIRE MY TEAM TO WIN. IT WAS A TOUGH GAME BUT I AM GLAD THAT WE MADE IT AND WON EVENTUALLY. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT TO US."- Dokossi

The 21-year-old Dokossi had the game of his life in national team colors dropping 23 points and picking 10 rebounds to help his team cut a five-point deficit going into the last quarter. 

Anas Mahmoud (Egypt)

In the absence of the seven-footer Omar Oraby, Mahmoud was in fine form recording 14 points and seven rebounds to guide the Pharaohs past a stubborn Cape Verde side 94-65 on Saturday to improve their win ratio to 4-0 in the Qualifiers. 

His presence in the paint at 2.13m (7ft) was too much to handle for the islanders on both ends of the court. His combo with captain Haytham Khalifa to screen for the guards worked for Ahmed Marei's side as Cape Verde failed to beat the screens on the pick and roll. 

Mahmoud looked comfortable every time he got the ball and even though Egypt usually have all-round performers as a team, he stood out. 

Makram Ben Romdhane (Tunisia)

Experience combined with passion is the best way to describe Romdhane who as known to many detests the idea of losing and does everything in his power to ensure victory. 

Whether he is on court with fellow veterans like Salah Mejri, Mourad El Mabrouk or Radhouane Slimane or with the youngsters Oussama Marnaoui and Achref Gannouni, Romdhane demands his teammates to level up. 

Against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Romdhane recorded an impressive double double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two assists earning him special recognition from the few Tunisian fans in the Monastir stadium. 

FIBA