Egypt deliver di biggest surprise of di second round of di FIBA Basketball World Cup African qualifiers on Thursday, as dem beat Senegal for Dakar to end di hosts' five-game winning run. Even though dem come with 3-3 record, di Egyptians refuse to act like underdogs, and dem overturn four-point deficit afta di opening quarter to take control of di game.
Defence na di foundation of Egypt win. Senegal manage only 24 shots from 70 attempts, while Egypt taller line-up dominate di boards 53-45, including 23 offensive rebounds. Brancou Badio no fit find im rhythm, miss all 11 of im three-point attempts, finish with nine points – im lowest total for di qualifying campaign so far.
Guard Adam Moussa come from di bench to score 14 points on 6-of-15 shooting, provide di spark wey Egypt need. Di 2.13m duo of Anas Mahmoud and Omar Oraby combine for 20 rebounds and 28 points between dem. Egypt still commit 18 turnovers and make only six of 13 free throws.
"We know say dis na di kind matches wey we need to win. We know wetin to expect for terms of atmosphere, so we decide say make we just play as team and take anytin as e come," Moussa tok. Coach Agusti Julbe add: "We prepare several tactical plans wey work well, but if no be di hard work and commitment of our players, those ideas no go pay."
Di result, wey be Egypt second win over one host nation for di campaign afta dem beat Angola last month, leave Senegal for 5-2 and Egypt for 4-3 for Group F.
