Ivory Coast’s men’s basketball team pulled off a nail-biting 82-81 win against Cape Verde on Friday, August 15, in Luanda, Angola, during the second day of Group A action at AfroBasket 2025.
The Elephants made a strong start, taking control early by winning the first quarter 18-13 before extending their advantage to 40-35 at halftime. Their disciplined play and sharp shooting gave them the edge in the opening stages.
But Cape Verde roared back in the third quarter, led by standout performances from I.
Almeida and towering center W. Tavares. Their resurgence turned the contest on its head, as they surged to a 65-55 lead heading into the final quarter.
The closing moments produced a dramatic finish. With just seconds remaining, Cape Verde held an 81-80 advantage and looked poised to seal victory.
However, Ivory Coast’s J. Dally delivered a decisive basket in the dying moments, snatching a one-point win and sending Ivorian fans into celebration.
Head coach Dejan Prokić’s squad has now secured two consecutive victories in the group stage, strengthening their position at the top of Group A.
The Elephants will next face DR Congo on Sunday, August 17, at 18:00 GMT, in what promises to be another crucial clash in their bid to advance to the knockout rounds.
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