Cameroon Overpowers 60-44 Tunisia to Secure Group B Supremacy

In a battle for Group B supremacy, Cameroon and Tunisia entered the court with identical 2-0 records, setting the stage for a decisive encounter. While both teams had already guaranteed their quarter-final places, this match carried significant weight. Topping the group often translates into a smoother route through the knockout stages, and neither side was willing to concede that advantage.

The opening quarter reflected the magnitude of the contest. Both teams showed nerves and struggled to find an offensive rhythm.

Defensive intensity was high, but finishing around the basket and perimeter accuracy lagged behind. Tunisia eventually carved out a narrow edge, managing to close the quarter with a slim 14–11 lead. Momentum, however, swung dramatically in the second period. Cameroon’s defence tightened further, forcing turnovers and rushed shots, while their shooters began to find their range from long distance.

In just a few minutes, they unleashed a decisive 13-2 run that stunned the Tunisians. The surge not only gave Cameroon the scoreboard advantage but also control of the game’s tempo. By halftime, the Central Africans had built an eight-point cushion, 24–16, and carried confidence into the locker room.

Tunisia came out after the break determined to claw their way back. They played with greater composure in the third quarter, executing better on both ends of the floor. However, Cameroon matched them shot for shot, ensuring the gap remained intact. The quarter finished 17–17, leaving Tunisia still trailing by eight points heading into the decisive final frame.

The fourth quarter brought fresh drama. Tunisia started with renewed urgency, stringing together a 6-0 run that cut the deficit to just two points.

For a moment, the momentum appeared to be shifting, and the Tunisian bench erupted with belief. Yet Cameroon, showing maturity and composure, responded immediately. Anchored by disciplined defence and timely baskets, they answered with a 19–11 run that sealed the contest. By the final buzzer, Cameroon had confirmed their superiority with a hard-fought but convincing win.

Individually, several players stood out for the winners. Sensational shot blocking from Aliyou Bayero with 9.0 blocks and 17 on the glass was a huge contribution to the Cameroon defense.  Nolan Ngangmeni once again proved to be a cornerstone of Cameroon’s offence. He delivered 14 points, grabbed five rebounds, and showed calm under pressure, sinking all six of his free-throw attempts while also connecting on two shots from beyond the arc.

Luther Maboula claimed the spotlight as the game’s top scorer with 15 points and seven rebounds, showcasing his versatility and presence on both ends of the floor. Felix Deumi added further firepower, scoring 13 points while knocking down three triples, underlining Cameroon’s depth and balance.

For Tunisia, Adem Rafrafi led the way with 12 points, but his efforts lacked sufficient support. The North Africans struggled to find consistency against Cameroon’s relentless defensive schemes and could not generate enough offensive firepower to overturn the deficit.

With this result, Cameroon closed group play with a flawless 3-0 record, sending a strong message to future opponents. Tunisia, despite the loss, still finished second in Group B at 2-1 and will head into the quarter-finals with plenty to prove.

As the knockout rounds loom, both teams will now shift their focus to the next stage. Cameroon’s impressive depth and defensive discipline suggest they are ready for bigger challenges, while Tunisia will need to regroup and rediscover their offensive rhythm if they are to progress further.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]