Cameroon sets tone for Afrobasket qualifiers with win over Gabon

By Esther E. Otto

In a thrilling opening match of the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifiers, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions roared to a 76-58 triumph over Gabon, setting the tone for a promising campaign ahead.

The game, a tale of two halves, saw Cameroon’s strategic dominance early on, with Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba’s explosive start propelling the team to a commanding 10-0 lead. Coach Alfred Aboya highlighted the team’s preparedness and respect for their opponents, stating, “When we go to a tournament, being an outsider or a favorite is not important because once the tip-off is given both teams have a good chance of winning.”

Despite a spirited comeback attempt by Gabon in the second half, Cameroon’s sharp shooting from behind the arc and steadfast defense secured a crucial 20-point advantage, paving the way for a hard-earned victory.

Coach Aboya praised Gabon’s tenacity, noting, “We respected Gabon and Gabon proved to us that they merit our respect. Gabon fought really hard and congratulations to them.”

Looking forward to future matchups, particularly the upcoming game against Rwanda, Aboya emphasized the team’s commitment to preparation and improvement, stating, “For the game against Rwanda, we will prepare well, look at videos, note their strengths and weaknesses, and analyze our performance against Gabon to make necessary corrections.”

With a blend of resilience, respect, and strategic acumen, Cameroon’s performance in the qualifiers signals a promising start to their AfroBasket campaign. As they gear up for future challenges.