Ivory Coast became the first African nation to qualify for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup that will be held in Indonesia, Japan and Philippines after beating Cape Verde 77-69. The Palais des Sports de Treichville was simply filled to capacity on the final day when Ivory Coast played a determined Cape Verde side that showed respect for their hosts. But the ovation that greeted the buzzer at the end of the encounter marking the end of the first round of Group E of the African Qualifiers was deafening. The reason was obvious. The Elephants on the night sealed her place in the World Cup without conceding a defeat in all 7 games played. The best team without blemish: Cote d'Ivoire Ivory Coast claimed the maximum 9 points from 3 games played in this window to bring their total to 14 points as Group E leaders, they did so in an unbeaten fashion claiming victory in all games played since the qualifiers started in November 2021. The icing on the cake for Cote d'Ivoire was the exciting game they played against Cape Verde. Elephants Captain Stephane Konate was on the court for 20:56 minutes but he drained 16 points to jointly lead the flow with Alexander Poythress. The host country was not just propelled by these two players but Souleyman Diabate, Vafessa Fofana and most importantly the vociferous crowd. The second round and fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers Group E held in Abidjan was a landmark event as it brought out the best in all six teams with Cote d'Ivoire securing their ticket for the World Cup with a Window to spare. The African Qualifiers resume in February with Window 5, but the Ivorians, the only undefeated team in Africa so far, have already booked their second straight qualification for the World Cup.
