ABIDJAN (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) – Three wins in as many games at FIBA AfroBasket 2017 Zone 3 Group C qualifier was all that Cote d’Ivoire needed to book their place in the Final Round billed for Republic of Congo (19-30 August).

Cote d’Ivoire on Friday beat an ambitious Benin 62-52 in the first game of the second leg to secure the regional qualifier ticket for the 16-team FIBA AfroBasket 2017.

Buoyed by their very emotional coach, Olivier Tea, the Ivorians left nothing to chance after trailing by 5 at the end of the first quarter. But that was the farthest Romaric Quenum-led Benin side could go as the home side fought back to control and lead the remainder of the game.

Benin before the game had hoped they could surprise the 'Elephants' and tie series at two all to take the qualification battle to the final day.

As a result, Benin and Burkina Faso are now condemned to play for pride and pray fervently to receive on of the two wild cards that FIBA Africa will allocate at the end of the qualifiers.

Aside Cote d’Ivoire, African champions Nigeria, FIBA AfroBasket 2017 hosts Republic of Congo, Egypt, Uganda, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tunisia are all through to the Congo-Brazzaville showpiece.

FIBA