FIBA Africa Under Zone 3 Qualifiers: Ghana misses out on qualification despite win over Nigeria
Ghana’s Under 16 Boy’s National Team has missed out on securing qualification to compete in the 2023 FIBA Under 16 African Championship despite beating bitter rival Nigeria 47-45.
The win ended the three day competition that was played out at the Eden Heights Sports Complex in Ghana’s capital, Accra.
The Zone 3 qualifiers had Ghana secure a two point win over the much fancied Nigerian side that demolished Cote D’Ivoire 67-38 in the opening game of the tournament.
However, a shock 65-68 loss in overtime to the Ivorians meant Ghana trailed Nigeria in the standings on goal difference and missed out on bagging the sole qualification ticket to the continental tournament that takes place in a fortnight in Monastir, Tunisia.
Ghana head coach Lawal Brimah, pinned the loss to Cote D’Ivoire on free throw inefficiency from his lads; Ghana missed two key attempts in overtime.
All three nations in the division ended the zonal qualifiers with a win and a loss in all play all format but Nigeria’s superior goal difference distinguished them from their regional rivals.
In the Girl’s division, Ghana also missed out on qualifying to the African competition after losing twice to Nigeria. Ghana lost 24-73 in the first game against Nigeria and suffered a 17-65 loss in the second game.
Match Report
The third quarter ended with holding a Ghana 38-30 lead over Nigeria much the same way the entire game had gone up till that point with Ghana recording a 16-12 and 24-22 lead respectively in the first and second quarters.
Eric Cherish’s three pointer trimmed Ghana’s lead to two points (43-41) with 2:08 minutes remaining. A tough contested shot from Maxwell Asante pushed Ghana’s lead to four (45-41) with 1:56 minutes left to play in the game. Asante led the game in scoring with 15 points.
Sambo Abraham drained a three pointer to keep the score close. Both countries converted one of two free throws but Ghana held on with 11 seconds remaining to clinch the win.