Basketball: AS Bonaberi defeats ONYX to record dream start in senior men’s championship.

The newly promoted club, dominated their regional peers from start to finish in the highly animated game.

AS Bonaberi took an early lead in the game, dominating the old folks by over six points.

ONYX however fought back to bring parity to the game after tying the fixture at 13points shortly before the close of the first quarter.

The ONYX team took the command baton shortly after tying the scores at 13points but failed to dominate the rest of the game, with AS Bonaberi fighting back to record 83-62points at full time.

“We are a team that was just recently created and have new players. This was our first game in the elite championship and we had our first victory too in a very beautiful way as well,” One of AS Bonaberi’s most experienced players, Essome, said after the win.

ONYX Elimbi Ebenezer expressed disappointment with the defeat but said they lost just a battle and not a war.

“It was a game. We lost the battle and not the war. This was just a game so we will remain confident. We do not have any doubts about our capability. We will only rectify a few things for the next games,” ONYX’s Ebenezer who contributed 16points and 6 assists, said.

AS Bonaberi coach salutes team’s performance

AS Bonaberi’s lead trainer, Yumbi Parfait said they capitalised on the weakness of their opponent to secure the win.

“The secret for the win today is that we went back to the basics of our work ethics which is that of playing together as a team. We took advantage of the fact that they were not playing together as a block,” the basketball trainer said.

 He added: “We are very excited about this victory. It is an honor and pleasure to play in the topflight league of the domestic basketball championship. We grateful for being where we are,”.

The 2022/2023 senior men’s basketball championship kicked off with the two opening match days in Douala over the weekend.

Other opening day games saw Kadji Sports Academy recording a slim 74-75 defeat to giants, Ecole de Basket Douala.

Defending champions, FAP of Yaounde sealed a 67-55points win over Douala Fire Birds.

Another heavyweight, BEAC of Yaounde grabbed a hard fought 61-47points victory over newcomers Alph of Yaounde.