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The Sierra Leone Under-16 male basketball team has stormed into the semi-finals of the FIBA Africa Zone 2 Tournament after a decisive 47-24 victory against Guinea Bissau in Dakar, Senegal.
This emphatic win, marked by a 23-point margin, follows their opening loss to host and defending champion Senegal.
The triumph over Guinea Bissau underscores Sierra Leone’s determination to make a mark on the international stage after years of absence. Head Coach Issa Fofana praised his team’s resilience, stating, “This is a historic opportunity to rebrand basketball in Sierra Leone, and we are here to compete, not just participate.”
Despite their rocky start, the Sierra Leonean side sits second in their group standings behind Senegal, with one win and one loss. Their semi-final clash against neighboring Guinea is scheduled for 6:30 pm local time today.
This tournament marks a pivotal moment for Sierra Leonean basketball, as it is the first international appearance by any national team from the country in over two decades. The Sierra Leone Basketball Federation sees this as a stepping stone to revitalize the sport domestically and demonstrate the nation’s potential on a global scale.
