It was contrasting results for the two other African teams—Egypt and Cote dIvoire—at this year’s FIBA World Cup, as the Pharoahs suffered a second defeat while the West Africans worked hard to get their first win at the tournament.
Cote d’Ivoire, who were the runners-up at the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket, defeated Iran 71-69 in Jakarta, Indonesia, to go atop Group G with three points pending the result of the clash between Brazil and defending champions Spain.
The Elephants survives a thriller & keeps its hopes of advancing alive! ????????#FIBAWC x #WinForCotedIvoire
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ???? (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2023
The game, which was evenly contested, saw both teams win two quarters each in a frequent change of score, but Solo Diabete’s (9 points) three free throws late in the tie proved vital to propel the Ivorians to their first win.
Nisre Zouzoua was the star of the game for Cote d’Ivoire, as his team-high 17 points along with Amadou Sidibe’s (10 points) and Maxence Dadiet’s (10 points) combined 20 points proved decisive in leading them to the victory.
Behnam Yakhchali led both sides with his 19 points and 5 rebounds, while Mohammad Amini added 15 points for the Iranians, who have suffered back-to-back defeats.
Smooth sailing ⛵️ for Montenegro ???????? who improve to 2-0 in Group D!#FIBAWC x #WinForMontenegro
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ???? (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2023
Unlike Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt were beaten 74-89 by Montenegro at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, making them the only African side to suffer defeat on Game Day 2.
The Pharaohs couldn’t handle the firepower of the Balkan nation, led by Nikola Vucevic’s 16 points, 7 rebounds, and three blocks. Nikola Ivanovic added 15 points, while Kendrick Perry finished the game with 11 points and 7 assists.
Egypt’s Ehab Amin led all scorers with an impressive 26 points; Anas Mahmoud added 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks off the bench; and 24-year-old Patrick Gardner helped with 13 points and 8 rebounds in their second straight loss.
Both sides will be in action for game day 3, with Egypt set to take on Mexico on Tuesday, August 29, while Cote d’Ivoire will gear up for a decisive battle against Brazil at the Indonesia Arena on Wednesday, August 30.
