U16 AfroBasket Men: Liberia Celebrate Historic First Win at FIBA U16 AfroBasket

Liberia Celebrate Historic First Win at FIBA U16 AfroBasket

The matchup carried extra importance for both nations, as they each entered the game with two defeats. With pride on the line, the contest quickly took on the intensity of a knockout battle. Supported by enthusiastic Sierra Leonean fans alongside a passionate, if smaller, Liberian contingent, the West Africans produced a spirited display that highlighted their determination and resilience.

Liberia wasted little time in asserting themselves, opening the first quarter with an energy that Morocco struggled to contain. Their aggressive offense and disciplined defense helped them build a 17–10 advantage at the buzzer, a statement that they were determined to fight until the end. Morocco regrouped in the second quarter, tightening up defensively and forcing turnovers. Their efforts paid off as they chipped away at the deficit, narrowing the gap to just four points at halftime, with Liberia holding a slim 35–31 lead.

Despite Morocco’s adjustments, Liberia refused to surrender momentum. In the third quarter, the debutants displayed a level of composure that belied their inexperience on the continental stage. Every Moroccan surge was met with a Liberian response, whether through quick ball movement, rebounding grit, or clutch shooting. By the end of the third frame, Liberia had managed to stay ahead, keeping the North Africans under pressure while protecting their fragile lead.

The fourth quarter saw Morocco mount their strongest charge of the night. Outscoring Liberia 21–20 in the period, they pushed hard to overturn the deficit and came close to shifting the game’s momentum. However, Liberia’s resilience proved decisive. Whenever Morocco threatened to take control, the Liberians responded with key defensive stops and timely baskets. The final buzzer sparked scenes of celebration, as Liberia held on to seal the 74–69 victory.

For team captain Kamara Kosso, the historic win symbolized much more than just a result on the scoreboard.

Speaking with pride after the game, he called it “the game of a lifetime.” He added, “We trained so hard for this moment, and today we received support that we never expected. This victory means everything to us.”

Kosso was quick to acknowledge Morocco’s toughness, noting that the match demanded complete focus from start to finish.

“They challenged us throughout the game, but the coach told us to keep attacking the basket and never give up. That was our mindset, and it carried us to the end,” he explained.

While Liberia’s campaign may not extend deep into the tournament, this result marks a significant milestone for a program still in its early stages of development. The victory reflects not only the progress of Liberian basketball but also the promise of its young athletes. For the players, coaches, and fans, the win will stand as proof that Liberia belongs on the continental stage.

As the tournament continues, Liberia’s success will inspire belief back home and among their supporters across West Africa. One victory may not win championships, but it can spark dreams—and for Liberia, this debut triumph will be remembered as the moment their journey truly began.
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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]