DOUALA (Cameroon) - Gabon clinched the first qualifying spot for the 2027 FIBA AfroCan by defeating the Republic of the Congo 86–58 in Douala, Cameroon. The Congolese briefly led 4-2, but Gabon quickly took control of the match.
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This victory marked Gabon's second consecutive win in the three-team FIBA Africa Zone 4 qualifier, following their victory over hosts Cameroon just a day earlier. Gabon finished the qualifiers undefeated, winning both of their games.
Dolivitch Moupomo led Gabon with a standout performance, scoring 18 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and contributing 3 assists along with 2 blocks. Adonis Abessolo was also instrumental, scoring 20 points, primarily through three-pointers. Elysé Makambo added 12 points off the bench.
For the Republic of the Congo, substitute Joel Kodi was the standout player, leading his team with 19 points, while Edlain Kurthy Elenga contributed 12 points. The Congolese team, coached by former Angolan international Jorge Tati, is set to face Cameroon in the final game of the regional qualifier on Monday.
With this win, Gabon joins four other teams—Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, and Rwanda—who have automatically qualified for the AfroCan by reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 tournament.