Rwanda wrapped up Window 2 of the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers in third position following a solid 90-63 win over Gabon in their final game.
The Rwanda Basketball National Team completed the three games of Group C’s first round of the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers with a victory over Gabon on Sunday, November 24.
The Dr. Cheikh Sarr-coached team faced uphill tasks in their first two games against the host team, Senegal, and a very dynamic Cameroon team. However, the win against Gabon keeps them in the race for qualification to Angola.
Rwanda started the game very strongly, intimidating Gabon with quick-fire threes and alley-oops to race to a 15-0 lead in the first three minutes.
However, the Gabonese team regained their composure and stopped Rwanda’s momentum, ending the first period trailing by 7 points, 21-28
Osborn Shema and Cadeau de Dieu Furaha revived the rhythm in the second quarter, expanding the lead, and Rwanda headed into the break with a 16-point advantage, 50-34.
After the interval, Dr. Sarr made changes to the lineup, and although the team scored the lowest of the game in the third period, 15-15, they regained their intensity in the final quarter, scoring 25 points while allowing only 14.
Osborn Shema led all scorers with 20 points, while Cadeau de Dieu Furaha and Antino Jackson Alvalezes both recorded double-doubles.
Furaha scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in his 33 minutes of play. Guard Antino contributed 13 points and 11 assists in 28 minutes on the court.
The 90-63 win over Gabon places Rwanda in third position with a 1-2 record, behind Cameroon (2-1) and group leaders Senegal (3-0). Gabon remains winless.
The AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers’ third overall window, marking the second round of Group C, will take place in February 2025.
If Rwanda maintains their third-place position, they will qualify for the top continental basketball showcase in Angola.
