Ivory Coast U18 vs Chad U18

The game was effectively over after the first quarter. Ivory Coast ran off a 16-0 scoring streak and led by as many as 53 points. Chad never led for a single second — Ivory Coast controlled the game for 39:35 of the 40 minutes.

Nathan Djako and Karl-Randell Kouame-Zeze led Ivory Coast with 19 points each in a balanced attack that saw five players reach double figures. The hosts shot 49 percent from the field, including 59.6 percent on two-pointers and 32.3 percent from three. Jason Ake posted a game-high efficiency rating of 24.

For Chad, Yaya Ngaba finished with a team-high 16 points and 10 rebounds despite limping off with muscle cramps in the third quarter before returning in the fourth.

Chad managed 36 percent shooting overall, 43.6 percent on twos and just 21.1 percent from beyond the arc.

"First, the main goal was to enjoy, and I think the players did that, but I always want us to play with energy, with that hunger, with that fight," Ivory Coast head coach Stephane Konate said after the game. "I want the team to score as much as possible in every game."

Chad coach Asnal Alain Noubaramadje offered a frank assessment: "We had a plan, and nothing went right. We didn't defend, we gave them a lot of balls, and that is not us. We prepared for this game very well, but we were a little bit nervous. This is a game to forget."

Ivory Coast's 104 points at 49 percent shooting reflect an efficient, inside-focused offence. The hosts scored 51 points off turnovers, a direct product of coach Konate's full-court press on every Chad baseline inbound. Ivory Coast's 59.6 percent shooting on two-pointers underscores their dominance in the paint. Chad's 51 points on 36 percent shooting — coupled with poor three-point accuracy — were never enough to trouble the hosts.

Ivory Coast became the first team in the tournament to score over 100 points.

Ivory Coast U18, tournament hosts and group-stage favourites, opened their campaign with an emphatic statement. They would go on to top Group A undefeated and reach the final, where they faced Senegal on 16 August. Chad, after a tough start, faced Nigeria next in the group phase.

Ivory Coast U18 delivered a near-flawless offensive performance backed by relentless defensive pressure. Chad U18 were outclassed from the opening quarter and never recovered. A comprehensive win for the hosts that set the tone for their tournament run.