Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s Lonestar male basketball team defeated Benin in a decisive game to earn their first victory in the 2025 FIBA Africa Zone 3 U-16 Afrobasket Qualifiers. The qualifiers is on going at the SKD Gymnasium in Paynesville City featuring host Liberia, Benin and Ivory Coast.
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, the Liberians thrashed their West African opponents 98-38. The decisive victory increase Liberia’s prospects of making it to the 2025 Afrobasket Youth Championship, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, in September. With ability, collaboration, and energy, the Liberian male team controlled every element of the game from the first whistle, making it difficult for their opponents to keep up.
In addition to creating a qualifying margin, the decisive win inspired supporters and rekindled national pride in the young basketball program. But the situation was different for the girls, as the Liberian U-16 women’s team lost the competition for the second time in a row.
The girls lost 53-47 in a fiercely contested encounter against Benin, despite displaying indications of progress. They are now winless after two games after losing to Ivory Coast on Friday, July 11, 2025, in the first day. Now, the Red, White, and Blue teams focus on their next games.
The third day of play for the Liberian teams is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, when the boys’ and girls’ teams will play Ivory Coast again, the same team that upset them in their first games. On Monday, July 13, Benin will play Ivory Coast in what is expected to be another pivotal match in the girls’ and boys’ divisions.
After defeating Benin in both categories on Thursday, July 10, the opening day, Ivory Coast has been playing well and will be looking to continue their winning streak and strengthen their position in the group. Everyone is watching the qualifications to see which clubs can secure a trip to Kigali for the continental match.
While the ladies’ team will be looking for atonement in their next games, Liberia’s boys’ remarkable comeback gives a glimmer of hope.
Reported by: Sylvester Tamba
