Mozambique have secured their ticket to the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers despite losing 57-48 to South Africa in Game 2 of the Zone 6 Pre-Qualifiers. The Mozambican team’s advancement hinged on their impressive performance in the first game, where they triumphed over South Africa by 12 points with a scoreline of 62-50.
With the aggregate score standing at 108-107 in Mozambique’s favor, the team’s journey to the AfroBasket Qualifiers became a testament to the significance of points differential. An electrifying moment unfolded at the Pavilhao do Maxaquene in Maputo when Elves Houana sank a crucial three-pointer with just 24 seconds remaining, reducing the deficit to nine points and sealing Mozambique’s progression.
Houana, representing Ferroviario de Beira, delivered a stellar performance with 18 points, showcasing his accuracy from beyond the arc with a 6/12 record in three-pointers. The joyous celebration at the Maxaquene venue reflected the resilience and determination of the Mozambican team.
South Africa, making their return to the international stage after the 2017 AfroBasket, put up a strong fight, led by Samkelo Cele’s impressive 19 points and Pieter Prinsloo’s contribution of 15 points. However, Mozambique’s point guard, Nilton Seifane, secured a crucial rebound that set the stage for Houana’s game-changing three-pointer.
As Milagre Macome’s men savor their victory, they are well aware that tougher challenges lie ahead in the Group A qualifier scheduled for November 22-24. The Southern Africans will face formidable opponents, including the rising star South Sudan, along with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali.
The journey to redemption in the AfroBasket continues for Mozambique, and their recent triumph sets the stage for an exciting and competitive campaign in the upcoming qualifiers.
