Following setbacks in the FIBA AfroCan semifinals on Friday, two East African countries, Rwanda and DRC, returned to fight for the Bronze medal with Rwanda triumphing
LUANDA, July 16, The Rwandan National Basketball Team claimed third place in the 2023 AfroCan after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 82-73. Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba lit up the scoreboard once more, scoring 22 points.
DR Congo versus Rwanda game is a rivalry for players who know each other since DRC has three players that ply their trade in Rwanda, namely captain Manga Pitchou, Espoir Aganze, and Rolly Fula, as well as Kasasa Bob and Mike Kazunguzibwa who played in the Rwanda Basketball League.
Rwanda outscored DRC 12-9 in points from turnovers, 22-20 in fast break points, 18-12 in second-chance points, 40-38 points in the paint, and 28-20 points from the bench. With these key statistics, Rwanda defeated DR Congo for the second time since an 82-68 victory in the 2021 AfroBasket.
The third-place game was followed by the championship game between Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco, with Morocco winning by a two-point margin, 78-76.
During the closing ceremony, DRC’s Manga Pitchou was named top rebounder, Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba won the best three-point shooter, and Evariste Shonganya claimed the top scorer award.
Kevin Franceschi, MVP was joined in the All-Tournament squad by his Moroccan colleague Jihad Benchlikha, Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba (Rwandan), Mike Fofana (Côte d’Ivoire), and Evariste Shonganya (DRC).
According to the competition’s regulations, as the semifinalists, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, and the DRC are all guaranteed spots in the 2027 AfroCan competition.
The AfroCan is a quadrennial FIBA Africa event held two years after the AfroBasket. It is intended for African players who play in Africa, with the exception of two players who play beyond the continent, and the competition’s purpose is to give local players more exposure.
