A blistering first-half performance by Fabien Ateba propelled Cameroon to a 70-59 victory over Rwanda in the Group C clash of the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers in Dakar.
Despite a spirited fourth-quarter comeback from Rwanda, the Indomitable Lions held their ground to secure their second consecutive win.
Cameroon’s offensive dominance was fueled by Ateba’s hot hand from beyond the arc, draining four triples in the opening half and finishing with a team-high 17 points. His early six unanswered points set the tone for a commanding performance. Meanwhile, William Robeyns led Rwanda’s efforts with a game-high 19 points.
Rwanda briefly took the lead at 18-16 late in the first quarter, courtesy of Robeyn’s second three-pointer. However, Cameroon responded with an 8-2 scoring spree, sparked by Jordan Bayehe’s free throws and Williams Narace’s layup. Alfred Aboya’s men never relinquished their advantage, extending it to a massive 25-point lead at one stage.
Cameroon’s 10 three-pointers in the first half dealt a crushing blow to Rwanda’s defense. The Lions also dominated the rebounding battle with a 57-38 edge, further stifling Rwanda’s momentum. Although Rwanda attacked with ferocity, their inefficiency at the free-throw line—shooting just 3-of-8—left crucial points on the table.
Fabien Ateba’s three-point shooting clinic was a spectacle, but Cameroon’s all-around aggression on both ends of the court proved decisive. Their ability to stymie Rwanda under 60 points highlighted a well-rounded team effort.
“We lacked focus at some point in the game. But I liked my players’ mental toughness after a big deficit at halftime,” said Rwanda head coach Cheikh Sarr. “Losing by eleven points is better than the 23-point loss to Senegal (81-59). We’ll take the positives and build on them.”
Rwanda’s fourth-quarter resurgence was commendable, but the damage done in the first half proved insurmountable. If they can replicate their late-game intensity across four quarters, they could pose a serious threat in the next round of qualifiers.
The journey continues for both teams as the race to the 2025 AfroBasket intensifies. Stay tuned for more action from Dakar!
