The defending champions almost fell to a shock loss following a 78-77 win over the Ivorian team on the first day of competition in Tunis, Tunisia where Groups A and C games will take place.
Former NBA lottery pick and Captain Ike Diogu powered D’Tigers with a near double double production of 31 points and eight rebounds.
The Ivorian team had former Accra Basketball League Men’s Division I player Romeo Enan feature for 19 minutes and register eight points, five rebounds and an assist.
Rwanda clinched a 75-55 win over Guinea in a battle between the tournament’s wild card selections before defending champions Nigeria’s opening tie.
There were no surprises on the opening day with heavyweights Angola, co host Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt and Mali register wins.
Below is a summary of results:
Egypt 75-47 Mozambique
Mali 87-82 Democratic Republic of Congo
Rwanda 75-55 Guinea
Morocco 76-66 Central African Republic
Tunisia 68-51 Cameroon
Senegal 83-44 South Africa
Nigeria 78-77 Ivory Coast
Angola 94-89 Uganda
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
