Although Cote d’Ivoire put forth a spirited performance in the early stages, their initiation into the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 proved to be a challenging one. The team experienced a 94-64 defeat against reigning champions Spain in their Group G clash.
Spain upheld their unbeaten record against African teams in World Cup history, showcasing their skill and prowess on the court. Cote d’Ivoire demonstrated tenacity during the initial 15 minutes of the game.
However, as the match progressed into the second quarter, Spain’s advantages in terms of size, depth, and experience began to exert influence. These elements ultimately presented formidable obstacles for the Ivorian squad, making their path to victory a demanding endeavor.
“It was a tough game against the champions of the last edition,” said Vafessa Fofana, Cote d’Ivoire. “We made a lot of mistakes. We paid cash for every mistake, every turnover. 17 offensive rebounds is too much. We are going to do better in the next game, because we have to.”
Watch the game highlights between Spain and Cote d’Ivoire in the First Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023:
https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1695457114737844470?s=20
