Guinea closed Window One unbeaten with a 66–57 win over Tunisia, using timely scoring to secure a vital 3-0 start in the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers as their Group D campaign gains momentum.
Last Updated on
December 2, 2025
Guinea capped off the final day of Window One in the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers with an impressive 66–57 victory over Tunisia, securing a crucial early win in Group D. Behind a composed defensive showing and timely scoring bursts, the Guinean national team held off multiple Tunisian runs to finish the window with renewed confidence in their qualification campaign.
Tunisia entered the contest looking to rebound from a mixed window, but it was Guinea who dictated the tone early with aggressive defence and an energetic transition attack. Mohamed Diallo set the rhythm in the opening quarter, scoring repeatedly off turnovers as Guinea forced Tunisia into rushed possessions. His fast-break layups and mid-range finishes powered a strong Guinean start, as his side capitalised on sloppy Tunisian ball-handling.
Guinea's pressure produced a series of early steals from Ousmane Araphane Kaba, Ousmane Drame and Abdoulaye Sy, turning defence into instant offence. Although both teams struggled from the perimeter in a low-scoring first period, Guinea's activity around the rim enabled them to edge ahead despite Tunisia dominating the defensive glass through Belhssan Chihi and Firas Lahiani. A late dunk from Mohamed Queta punctuated the visitors' energy as the opening quarter ended with Guinea holding Tunisia to just nine points.
Tunisia grew into the second quarter with improved ball movement, led by Omar Abada's playmaking and Bechir Ben Yahia's cuts inside the paint. Free throws kept the home side within reach, but Guinea repeatedly answered through Souleymane Boum Jr. and Shannon Evans, who attacked the basket and punished Tunisian turnovers. Evans' scoring surge midway through the period, including a transition layup and a well-timed three-pointer, helped maintain Guinea's narrow advantage.
In a physical stretch before halftime, both teams traded defensive stops as Tunisia tried to climb back. Ben Yahia briefly shifted momentum with a series of inside finishes, and Abada knocked down a late three-pointer. Still, Guinea's second-chance efforts ensured they carried a slim lead into the break, keeping Tunisia on the back foot.
The third quarter saw a renewed offensive spark from both sides. Boum Jr. opened the half with a crucial three-pointer as Guinea reasserted its rhythm. Though Jawhar Jawadi and Marnaoui chipped away with tough makes, Tunisia continued to struggle with turnovers at key moments. That allowed Guinea to score in transition once more, with Evans and Boum Jr. orchestrating the offence and controlling the tempo.
Guinea's defensive identity ultimately proved decisive. Queta and Drame provided vital interior protection, altering shots and dominating second-chance opportunities. The visitors kept Tunisia to prolonged scoring droughts in the closing stages, building just enough separation to enter the final quarter firmly in control.
Down the stretch, Guinea managed the clock and protected their lead with disciplined half-court play. Tunisia attempted to rally, but poor perimeter shooting and mounting turnovers stalled their comeback. With the defence holding firm in the final minutes, Guinea closed out a confident 66–57 win to conclude Window One.
The result and their overall 3-0 record give Guinea a crucial early boost in the African qualifiers, while Tunisia will look to regroup before Window Two.
