Cote d'Ivoire break Egyptian hearts to remain perfect
By far the most explosive match of Group D, the clash between hosts Egypt and reigning silver medalist Cote d’Ivoire lived up to expectations, producing some awe-inspiring plays.
CAIRO (Egypt) - By far the most explosive match of Group D, the clash between hosts Egypt and reigning silver medalist Cote d’Ivoire lived up to expectations, producing some awe-inspiring plays as the latter picked a clutch 79-76 victory to break the Egyptian fans hearts in their backyard
From the get go it was anyone's game as both sides traded leads at will, with Cote d'Ivoire enjoying their biggest lead at 46-35 in the dying minutes of the first half but a quick bucket from Amr Gendy and a Patrick Gardener trey saw the match head to the break at 46-40.
Gendy, who was huge for the hosts throughout the match, bagging a rare double-double after scoring 30 points while providing 10 assists.
His last of five turnovers, however, proved costly as it allowed Cote d'Ivoire to score a baskets on the buzzer to take the three-point victory.
With the opponet leading by one basket at 77-76, the experience guard held on to the ball as the Egyptian fans counted him down. Having barely put a foot wrong inside the arc, no one rushed his shot which, if taken would have given Egypt the chance to lead and hopefully win the clash.
Disaster, however, struck when he lost the ball, Nisre Zouzoua pounced on it and raced down the court for a layup that had to be video reviewed for the basket to stand. Cote d'Ivoire had beaten Egypt at home.
"To have a beautiful game like this takes an opponent as good as Egypt were. Props to them for pushing our limits and playing the way they did," Cote d'Ivoire coach John Douaglin recounted after the match.
The two sides were tied on 26 points in the opening quarter with the eventual winners going 20-14 ahead in the second period for the lead. The tables turned in favour of the hosts as they went 18-15 in the third quarter yo carry a slim advantage in to the final period which ended 18-all for the Ivorian win.
Douaglin's charges dominated the paint 32-24, went 21-07 ahead in second chance points and were good for 12 against 6 in fast breaks points for the win. Egypt's bench contributed 36 against 33 as both sides tied on 15 points from turnovers.
"We came into the clash expecting a tough test and I am happy that we held our own even when they put us under pressure for this win. The biggest lesson from this window has been the importance to keep a fighting spirit. We have grown better with each match and I believe our 'never give up' attitude played a huge role in the three wins," skipper Cédric Bah said after the clash.
Meanwhile, Egypt coach Henrik Rödl expressed satisfaction with his squad's performance adding that their display against the silver medalists was commendable considering they missed some key players, including Anas Mahmoud who picked an injury minutes to the last whistle.
"It is disappointing to lose the match and in such a manner but it is something to build on heading to the next phase of qualification," Rödl said.
FIBA