AfroBasket powerhouse Angola began their title defence with an 84-72 victory over Mozambique, while Cape Verde, Algeria and Senegal were Thursday's other winners.

Angola, winners of 11 of the past 13 FIBA African championships, began their 2015 campaign with the right result, although they had to fight their way back from an 11-point half-time deficit in Rades.

Mozambique led by as much as 15 during the second quarter, but Angola worked their way back into their tournament opener - with Carlos Morais (18 points) top scoring for the African champions.

Angola went top of Group B with the win.

Cape Verde were never in doubt of victory against Ivory Coast, leading by 25 points at half-time before easing to a 76-56 result.

Algeria were slow starters against Zimbabwe, arresting a first-quarter deficit to triumph 87-67.

Mohamed Harat (21 points) top scored for the Algerians, who are top of Group D - level with Cape Verde on two points and plus-20 point differential.

Senegal sit second in Group B behind Angola, after they won the thriller of Thursday's proceedings - edging Morocco 77-71.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Gorgui Dieng posted a team-high 26 points, although Morocco's Abdelhakim topped all-comers with 27 for the losers.