South Sudan secured its second-ever win in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers, defeating Kenya 86-69. Egypt also maintained its perfect record by edging out Uganda 65-62. Both teams highlighted the need to improve their play as they progressed in the tournament, showcasing the competitiveness of the qualifiers.
South Sudan achieved a historic second victory in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers by defeating Kenya 86-69. This milestone represents the team’s second win ever, following their initial success against Rwanda earlier in the tournament. Delicia Washington spearheaded the team’s effort, scoring a remarkable 26 points, while veterans Adut Bulgak and Nyamuoch Teny contributed 14 points each. South Sudan’s substantial bench contribution and superior free-throw performance played a crucial role in their victory, contrasting sharply with Kenya’s struggles at the line.
Egypt, the host team, secured their second win of the qualifiers by narrowly overcoming Uganda with a score of 65-62. Despite initially leading by 14 points, Egypt faced significant resistance from Uganda, who rallied to close the gap. Key players Paige Robinson and Jane Asinde effectively challenged Egypt, but crucial layups in the final moments from Hala Elshaarawy and captain Farida Abdelnabi ultimately sealed the win for Egypt, keeping their perfect record intact.
The successes of both South Sudan and Egypt highlight their competitive spirit in the qualifiers. South Sudan’s coach Alberto Antuna expressed pride in his team’s significant achievement and emphasized the importance of improving their turnover rate. On the other hand, Uganda’s coach Nicholas Natuhereza acknowledged their shortcomings in finishing the game but recognized Egypt’s ability to make winning plays. Both teams look to build upon their experiences from these matches for future games.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers serve as a pivotal platform for regional teams to secure their places in the AfroBasket tournament. South Sudan, a developing team in women’s basketball, has marked its progress with notable victories, showcasing growth and determination. Similarly, Egypt, a historically strong team in basketball, aims to assert its dominance in the tournament while navigating challenges from emerging teams such as Uganda and South Sudan. The competitive landscape of the qualifiers indicates the increasing level of skill and competitiveness among participating nations.
In summary, South Sudan’s victory over Kenya highlights their growth and potential in women’s basketball, signifying a bright future for the team. Egypt’s narrow win against Uganda ensured their undefeated status in the qualifiers, revealing areas for improvement amid their success. Both teams aim to refine their strategies and performance as they advance in the tournament, reflecting a competitive spirit and a commitment to excellence in the sport.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
