Tunisia wins the FIBA Africa Championship; End an era of Angolan domination with a 67-56 win
Sunday night marked one of the biggest moments in the basketball history of Tunisia, one that has spelled the beginning of a new era of domination in Africa.
Pitched up against the mighty Angolan side, who have for years dominated the game in Africa, the Tunisians stormed onto the court, took a 21-9 lead by the end of the first quarter and didn’t even give the Angolans a sniff as they
romped to a 67-56 win in the Afrobasket gold medal game. In doing so, they have ensured a shot at the Olympics glory for the first time in their history.
Tunisia was led by Marouan Kechrid on the night. The point guard racked up a game-high 21 points. If Marouan Kechrid led the Tunisians on the offense, they were led on the glass by their mercurial centre Salam Mejri, who clutched
a game-high 15 rebounds, blocked three shots and nailed a two pointer. The night’s performance was just another in the list of inspirational displays that Mejri showcased throughout the tournament. As a testament of his outstanding performances which saw him
averaging 8.9 points, nine rebounds and 2.4 blocks in the tournament, Mejri was named MVP of the Afrobasket.
"This is the most beautiful day of my life - August 28, 2011," An elated Mejri said. "I will remember this date all my life. To win the Afrobasket and be qualified for the Olympics at the age of 25 is such a great achievement.
And in addition, being named MVP and member of the All Star Five of the tournament! I can't find my words.”
"This goes far beyond basketball. I will never forget this night."
Mohamed Hadidane, the Tunisian power forward also chipped in with 15 points and 7 boards while Amine Rzig posted 14 points for the North Africans, who toppled the giants of Africa, a team that had won all the edition of this tournament
since 1989, except in 1997 when Senegal knocked them down.
Angolans were led by Carlos Morais, who scored 17 points while Domingos Bonifacio, Joaquim Gomes and Felizardo Ambrosio chipped in with 11 points apiece.
Tunisia was the team in charge of the proceeding from the very start. They opened the game with a three and after Angola responded with a shot from the long range, they blew away with a 35-14 spurt bridging the first quarter and
the first six minutes of the second to break the game.
Staring at a huge 38-17 deficit so early, Angola finally woke up to the situation and closed the half on 12-2 spurt to show down 29-40 at the break.
Tunisia however restored their dominance with a 9-3 spurt early and then hung tough at the back to secure the championship and their tickets to the 2012 London Olympics.
Tags: