Basketballghana.com can report Ivory Coast is the only nation with an unblemished record following the conclusion of games in the first round of qualification games to the 2021 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The games were played out in Angola and came to a close this past weekend involving nations in Groups A and C respectively; games involving nations in Group B and D are to be held in February 2022.
Ivory Coast won all three games including a 57-56 win over host nation Angola and an 80-69 win over Guinea; by getting past Angola, Ivory Coast has become the first nation to beat Angola in Angola. (Click highlighted text to watch game highlights)
The most successful African basketball nation, Angola, recovered to clinch two wins to rank second in Group C behind Ivory Coast thanks to a 78-48 win over winless Central African Republic. Guinea ranks third with a win in three games.
Nigeria suffered a shock loss to Cape Verde in Group A but recovered to beat Uganda 95-69 to lead the group with two wins and a loss. Mali beat Cape Verde 64-58 to place second with Uganda in third place. (Click highlighted text to read story)
38 year old Nigerian veteran Power Forward Ike Diogu registered 27 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Uganda. (Click highlighted text to watch game highlights)
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
