Gabon Secures First Victory at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket

In a gripping contest held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon emerged victorious against Morocco with a score of 67-62, marking their first win at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket. Both teams were in dire need of a victory to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the quarterfinals, making this match a critical showdown in their final Group B game. Morocco initially took control of the game, establishing a commanding 27-15 lead by the end of the first quarter. However, despite their early advantage, the Moroccan team struggled to maintain their momentum.

As the game progressed into the second quarter, Gabon demonstrated resilience and determination. They managed to tie the score at 33 with just over two minutes remaining in the half, eventually edging ahead thanks to Leyigui’s free throws, closing the half with a 37-33 lead. This shift in momentum set the stage for a thrilling second half, where Morocco fought back, with Mehdi Barrada leading the charge and reclaiming the lead. Despite some impressive defensive plays that limited Gabon to just nine points in the third quarter, the contest remained tightly contested.

Entering the fourth quarter, the teams were neck-and-neck, separated by a mere four points. With the pressure mounting, Gabon rallied to finish strong, outpacing Morocco with a 17-12 run, ultimately sealing their victory. Junior Aboubacar Garba Nangha-Ngoualh was the standout player for Gabon, leading all scorers with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while his teammates, Darryl Georges Mbiguis and Leyigui, contributed significantly to the scoreboard with 15 and 12 points, respectively. Gabon’s coach, Ylaurich Bertrand Ondo Zogo, hailed the win as essential for revitalizing the nation’s basketball program, emphasizing the importance of this victory in establishing Gabon’s presence in African basketball rankings.

Morocco, on the other hand, faced disappointment, finishing the group stage with a record of 0-3. Noah Mohammed El Baze was a bright spot for the Moroccan side, finishing the game with an impressive stat line, including 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, showcasing his potential despite the team's struggles. The outcome of this match not only impacts the standings but also serves as a pivotal moment for the future of Gabonese basketball.

As reported by fiba.basketball.