SFAX (Tunisia) - Algeria’s pursuit of a spot in the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket tournament went smoothly on Friday when they defeated Libya 92-53 at Salle Raed Béjaoui in Sfax, Tunisia.
This was the perfect way for Algeria to bounce back after losing their opening game of the Zone 1 Qualifiers to Tunisia.
Algeria showed from the beginning that they were stronger than their opponents, but only managed to pull ahead in the second half of the game, as Libya kept up with them throughout the first two quarters.
Led by Kilyan Bader and Abdelkarim Yahiaoui, Algeria took control of the game and opened a double-digit lead in the first quarter.
However, Ayham Zeenoubah inspired Libya’s comeback, closing out the quarter down by just three points (21–25).
Both teams experienced a scoring drought in the second quarter, combining for only 13 points. However, Yahiaoui took over in the third quarter. He finished with a game-high 28 points and 10 rebounds. Algeria pushed their lead into the 20s and never looked back.
Iyad Tadj Eddine Gouriri (15 points), Kilyan Bader (14 points), and Nahel Liam Douzane (13 points) also scored in double figures for Algeria, who now have a 1–1 record.
Zeenoubah shone for Libya, scoring a team-high 24 points, while Mohammed Arheemah contributed 13. The two were also the top scorers in the first game against Tunisia.
Tunisia remain perfect
Libya returned to action on Saturday to face hosts Tunisia in the second meeting.
The first five minutes of the game saw three ties, but Tunisia started to pull away, sparked by Fedi El Air’s 3-pointer.
While Libya started the second quarter with a 5-0 run, they allowed a 9-0 run thereafter, and the game was out of their reach with Tunisia claiming a 61-47 win.
Emir Ben Jaballah (13 points) and Ahmed Yassine M’Rabet (12) scored in double digits for Tunisia.
For Libya, it was Ayham Zeenoubah again who led the scoring effort with 15 points. Mahmoud Alkhabarshi contributed 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.
Next Up
Libya and Algeria face off for the second time on Sunday, July 12.
FIBA