In a thrilling showdown that showcased the unpredictable nature of basketball, Libya and Morocco played to a dramatic 75-75 draw in Game 1 of their decisive series to determine Zone 1’s representative at the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers.
The game was a tale of two halves, with Morocco mounting a remarkable comeback after trailing by 18 points in the second quarter. Led by Kevin Franceschi’s impressive performance, Morocco displayed resilience and determination, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored Libya 26-10 to force the tie.
Franceschi, who delivered a game-high 25 points, ignited Morocco’s offense with his sharp shooting from beyond the arc, connecting on 4 of 9 attempts. The Moroccan bench also proved instrumental, outscoring their Libyan counterparts 16-6.
Despite the valiant effort from Libya’s Mohamed Sadi and Jalal Salem Saeid, who combined for 49 points, including crucial contributions in assists and rebounds, Libya struggled to contain Morocco’s three-point shooting and committed costly turnovers down the stretch.
With the series now leveled, both teams understand the magnitude of Game 2, slated for Tuesday. For Libya, it’s an opportunity to secure their first AfroBasket ticket since 2009, while Morocco aims to reestablish its presence in the AfroBasket community after missing out on the 2021 edition.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the winner of Game 2 will earn the right to join Group B of the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers, where they’ll face off against formidable opponents Cape Verde, Nigeria, and Uganda. As anticipation builds for the decisive clash, basketball fans await with bated breath to see which team will emerge victorious and seize their ticket to the prestigious tournament.
