Gabon Triumphs Over Morocco in Thrilling Encounter
In a compelling showdown at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket, Gabon achieved a vital victory over Morocco, marking their first win of the tournament. The match, held in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, was crucial for both teams as they sought their initial success in the group stage, with hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals still alive. The stakes were high, given that only one win could potentially secure a place as one of the best third-placed teams depending on outcomes from other groups.
Morocco began the match with an impressive display, racing to a 27-15 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Moroccan team appeared dominant initially, even maintaining a lead of 15 points during the game. However, their inability to maintain control allowed Gabon to stage a remarkable comeback. In the second quarter, Gabon rallied, tying the score at 33 with just over two minutes remaining before halftime, eventually taking a 37-33 lead into the break thanks to crucial free throws from Leyigui.
The momentum shifted again in the third quarter as Morocco, led by guard Mehdi Barrada who scored 14 points, regained the upper hand. They showcased excellent team defense that limited Gabon to just 9 points in that period. As the fourth quarter unfolded, the match was tightly contested, with only four points separating the two teams. At the halfway mark of the fourth quarter, the score was tied at 50, but Gabon finished strong, outscoring Morocco 17-12 in the final stretch to secure a 67-62 victory.
This win enabled Gabon to finish third in Group B with a record of 1-2, while Morocco concluded their tournament run at the bottom of the group with a 0-3 record. Gabon's Junior Aboubacar Garba Nangha-Ngoualh was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Despite a challenging shooting performance, Darryl Georges Mbiguis contributed significantly with 15 points, while Leyigui added 12 points along with 6 assists.
Coach Ylaurich Bertrand Ondo Zogo described the victory as "absolutely essential," emphasizing its significance for Gabon's basketball development. He noted that prior to their participation, Gabon did not have a ranking in the African U-18 basketball scene. With this victory, he expressed confidence that the team would break into the top fifteen, achieving a key objective for their basketball program.
On the opposing side, Noah Mohammed El Baze delivered an impressive performance for Morocco despite the loss, accumulating 14 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, and 7 steals. Mohamed-Zouhir Zoubir also contributed to Morocco's efforts with 11 points.
As reported by fiba.basketball.
