Cape Verde rested through the entire FIBA AfroBasket 2021 competition on the back of giant Edy Tavares. However, it was Senegal's Gorgui Dieng who made all the difference in the bronze medal game, leading his team to victory 86-73 (21-18, 23-21, 17-13, 25-21) and the 6th bronze medal in nation's history.
Although he dealt with foul trouble and played only 25 '36", the Atlanta Hawks center scored 30 points with 5/9 two-pointers, 5/9 three-pointers and 5/7 shots, collected 12 rebounds and also had 5 assists and 1 steal, while winning the personal duel against Tavares (18 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks). Joel Almeida (17 points) from Cape Verde was also in double digits.
Walter Tavares
| Team: |
Real Madrid |
| Position: | C |
| Age: | 29 |
| Height: | 221 cm |
| Weight: | 120 kg |
| Birth place: | Cabo Verde |
Senegal dished out 27 assists, committed only 11 turnovers, controlling the game for the most part, and getting a double-digit lead early in the 3rd quarter (49-39) thanks to a 9-0 run. Senegal comfortably maintained the lead until the end and increased the difference up to 16 points one minute before the final buzzer (84-68), easily claiming the victory.
