LUANDA (Angola) - For the second time in a row, Rwanda failed to advance to the second round of the African World Cup Qualifiers.
After finishing with a 1–5 record in the 2023 tournament, Rwanda lost their fifth consecutive game on Friday, going down 83–57 to Tunisia.
Meanwhile, Tunisia advanced to the second round, improving to 3–2 in the campaign.
Ruanda struggled to contain Firas Lahiani at both ends of the court and paid the price.
Known as 'Air Tunisia' due to his athleticism and jumping ability, Lahiani finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds, keeping his country's World Cup aspirations alive.
The Rwandans competed and challenged Tunisia for most of the first two quarters. However, when Tunisia stepped up their game without letting up, it was game over for Rwanda.
Tunisia forward Zied Chennoufi admitted that they were still recovering from their loss to Nigeria the previous day.
"We needed this win to regain the energy with which we started this campaign," Chennoufi said,
FIBA