Rwanda suffered another late setback, ending their campaign in the Semifinals as Côte d’Ivoire came from 12 points behind to defeat them and proceed to the 2023 AfroCan Finals.
Friday, July 14, 2023, Rwanda led Côte d’Ivoire for almost the entire game until succumbing in the last 48 seconds.
Rwanda began on a high note with back-to-back three-pointers from William Robeyns and Nshobozwa, but Côte d’Ivoire responded with a strong three-point defense that held Rwanda to a score of 12 points, demonstrating that Rwanda’s offense relies on long-range shooting and their ability to drive into the paint is limited. As a result, the first quarter finished 13-12 in favor of Côte d’Ivoire.
Ntore Habimana came off the bench in the second quarter and seized control of the game using his ball-handling, fixing, and distributing skills to feed the balls to Ndizeye, who did not disappoint. Within 5 minutes, the Rwandans had a 10-point advantage then headed into the halftime break leading by 8 points, 37-29.
In the third period, Rwanda made 7-of-10 three-pointers with Dieudonné Ndizeye hitting four in a row. Côte d’Ivoire was clearly struggling with Rwanda’s long-range shots, as they only managed one shot out of twelve tries, while Rwanda was making it rain, 9-16.
Doh Kone-coached side controlled the paint in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to zero until 2:25 minutes when Ntore Habimana was reintroduced on court, responding with a crucial long-range shot to give Rwanda a three-point advantage, 50-47.
Within 1 minute on the clock, in offensive transition, Ntore assisted his captain Ndizeye to expand the advantage to 6 points, and the third quarter concluded 55-49.
Côte d’Ivoire began the final quarter with a commendable attitude, narrowing the deficit to two points until Ndizeye committed an unsportsmanlike foul, and the opponent didn’t mess up, forcing them to equalize the score at 57.
Within the last five minutes, Robyens and Ntore Habimana nailed back-to-back three-pointers to regain the six-point lead.
The Ivorians did not lay down their weapons since they were aware that they were being overpowered in practically all of their games in this tournament yet still managed to win them. In money time, they reduced the deficit once more to even the score at 65.
Robeyns hit another long-range shot to make it 68-65, but the Elephants trimmed the margin for good and forever. Mike Fofana’s three-pointer gave them the lead for the first time with 48 seconds left. 70-68
With 16 seconds left on the clock, William drew a foul behind the arc and converted three free throws to give Rwanda a one-point lead, 71-70.
Côte d’Ivoire requested a timeout for the last possession, and after the timeout, Kendal Gray committed a foul, giving Côte d’Ivoire two free throws, which Siré Dieng converted all of to put Côte d’Ivoire up once more. 72-71
Rwanda asked for another timeout to capitalize on the final possession, but Nshobozwa missed a game-winning shot. Then, the Rwandans had to commit a foul to stop the time, but it didn’t work as Mike Fofana hit both free throws to make the score 74-71.
Côte d’Ivoire secured a hard-fought victory with a strong defense in the last four seconds.
There are no doubts that poor game management cost Rwanda another game in this tournament, but it is understandable given that Rwanda’s head coach, Dr. Cheikh Sarr didn’t make it Luanda since He is currently preparing the women’s team for the upcoming FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba’s 24 points, 12 points, and 10 rebounds double-double from Kendall Gray were not enough for Rwanda, as the Côte d’Ivoire trio of Mike Fofana, Zamba Camara, and Lionel Kouadio combined for 54 points in the triumph.
the Rwandans will battle DR Congo for a bronze medal tomorrow, while Côte d’Ivoire will face Morocco in the 2023 AfroCan finals. All games are being held in the Kilamba Arena.
