ABIDJAN (Coted’Ivoire) - Cameroon secured their second win of the campaign by topping Nigeria 75-74 in overtime. In the other Group C matchup, Tunisia narrowly defeated Senegal 44-43.
The day's matchups brought the desired excitement and suspense back to Group C.
Cameroon beat Nigeria in overtime
It was a gritty encounter as Nigeria and Cameroon battled for the lead in Group C, and fans were not disappointed by what they saw on the court. It was sheer grit and determination all the way, so it's no surprise that the intensity was high.
Eveline Toyounon guided Cameroon to a 75-74 win over Nigeria. She scored 24 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, and had 8 assists in a sublime, all-around performance that put her country back in contention.
Cameroon fought hard until the end to secure the win, as the score was tied 67-67 at the end of regulation time.
In overtime, Cameroon showed more grit in their pursuit of victory.
They used their height advantage to dominate the rebounding battle (61-42) and scored 42 points in the paint, compared to Nigeria's 20.
Coach Tsafack Lonteu managed her nine-player rotation well to keep the Nigerian women at bay.
Toyounon, who was in tears after the game, said: "This win is important to us, and I’m glad we made it. The coaches did a wonderful job of keeping us in check to secure this victory."
Nigeria ace Favour Anari said: "I'm not really happy about the game," she admitted, "but I know the next game, we're going to win. We just have to learn from the mistakes that happened tonight. I still believe in my teammates. Next game is a win for sure."
Tunisia bounce back with nail-biting win over Senegal
From the outset, this Group C matchup appeared to be a toss-up between Tunisia and Senegal.
In their opening matches, Tunisia fell to Nigeria 54-50, while Senegal crumbled to Cameroon 61-30.
On Friday, however, Tunisia prevailed 44-43.
Coach Islam Mohamed Haddar and his assistant, Yosser Cherni, used the first half of the game to scout Senegal, plotting their strategy as the half-time score reached 32-14.
At the start of the second half, Coach Haddar adopted a defensive and offensive approach. It paid off, as Tunisia scored 13 points while holding Senegal scoreless.
The last quarter was more technical, with both sides applying defense and fast breaks to outwit each other. With seven lead changes and the score tied three times, the most resilient team won, and it turned out to be Tunisia.
In the final seconds, the score was tied at 42–42, with Islam Ayari tying it up with two successful free throws.
Orane Tlemcani’s layup under the basket for Tunisia brought the score to 44-42, but Fatimah Diop made one free throw to narrow the gap to 44-43 and give Senegal hope.
Tunisia’s Malak Chehidi was the best of the best, showing the composure to lead her team with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists, earning a 15 efficiency rating. Alyssa Mendy of Senegal had 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.
Players reflect on nail-biting game
Alyssa Mendy of Senegal admitted it was a close game. "This was a very, very close game. Unfortunately, we didn't have full control throughout the match.”
Tunisia’s 17-year-old player Wejden Barhoumi was ecstatic in victory, noting that staying together all the way kept them alive. She said: "We played together, and when someone runs, we give it [the ball]," she said. "And we love each other."
Next games
On Sunday, Cameroon will take on Tunisia while Nigeria face Senegal.
FIBA