Rwanda vs Tunisia

Tunisia's 12-3 run midway through the second quarter flipped the game. After Rwanda had clawed to within one possession, Tunisia responded with a sustained spell of defensive intensity — holding Rwanda scoreless for over three minutes while adding baskets at the other end. The run stretched the lead to double digits, and Rwanda never got back within single figures for the remainder of the contest.

Firas Lahiani (Tunisia) — The forward continues to be Tunisia's most reliable two-way presence. After registering 25 efficiency in the November meeting, he was again instrumental, dominating the boards and scoring efficiently around the rim.

Omar Abada (Tunisia) — The tournament leader in assists (6.3 per game) and scoring (19.3 ppg) controlled the tempo throughout. Abada's vision in transition was a key factor in Tunisia's second-quarter explosion.

David McCormack (Rwanda) — The former Kansas big man was Rwanda's most effective player, providing a scoring outlet inside and competing on the glass. He finished as Rwanda's joint-highest efficiency player with 25 in the earlier meeting with Tunisia.

Player of the Match: Firas Lahiani (Tunisia) — His all-around impact in the paint and on the glass was the difference between the sides.

Tunisia's tournament averages entering this game (76.3 points per game, 45% two-point shooting, 33.9% from three) pointed to a more efficient offence than Rwanda's (67 ppg, 38.9% two-point, 29.6% three-point), and this game followed that script. Tunisia's ability to generate quality looks in the half-court, combined with their defensive rebounding, created a 16-point gap that the final-quarter stats flattered Rwanda on. The 24 points Rwanda scored in the fourth quarter came with the game already decided.

With the win, Tunisia improved to 3-2 in Group C, keeping them in contention for a second-round qualification spot. Guinea lead the group at 4-1 after their earlier win, while Nigeria — who stunned Tunisia 84-81 on July 2 — sit at 3-2. Rwanda remain winless at 0-5 after five qualifying games across all three windows.

Rwanda will face Nigeria on Sunday, July 5, in their final group-stage game of the window. Tunisia take on Guinea on the same day, with a win potentially securing their passage to the second round depending on other results.

Tunisia's superior size, experience and backcourt play proved too much for a Rwanda side that competed in stretches but lacked the consistent offensive firepower to stay with the North Africans. Lahiani and Abada form one of the most effective duos in the African qualifiers, and their chemistry was on full display. Rwanda's winless run continues, but they showed fight in the fourth quarter that they can build on against Nigeria.