South Sudan secured a historic second victory in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers with an 86-69 triumph over Kenya. Meanwhile, Egypt held on for a narrow 65-62 win against Uganda, remaining unbeaten. South Sudan’s Delicia Washington led her team’s effort, while Egypt’s late-game performance secured their win despite a strong Ugandan challenge.
In Cairo, South Sudan achieved a remarkable milestone by securing their second victory in FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, defeating Kenya convincingly with a score of 86-69. This triumph was significant as it contrasted with their previous encounters, where Kenya had dominated. Meanwhile, Egypt also maintained their winning streak, edging Uganda with a close 65-62 victory in a challenging match, preserving their unbeaten status in the qualifiers.
South Sudan’s success was led by Delicia Washington, who scored 26 points, supported by Adut Bulgak and Nyamuoch Teny, who each contributed 14 points. The team showcased their strength with a dominant bench performance, vastly outscoring Kenya’s bench. Coach Alberto Antuna expressed pride in his team, acknowledging the need for improvement in managing turnovers, which totaled 34 during the match.
Coach Antuna stated, “I am just so proud of the girls. This is their second win in history and their biggest so far. They put in the work against a tough opponent.” Meanwhile, Kenya’s coach, George Mayienga, acknowledged the need for improvement as they prepared for their next match against Burundi.
Conversely, Egypt faced a tough challenge from Uganda after initially leading by 14 points. Uganda fought back, with Paige Robinson and Jane Asinde leading the charge, narrowing the gap significantly. Egypt managed to regain control but had to work hard to secure the win, with crucial contributions from Hala Elshaarawy and captain Farida Abdelnabi in the closing moments of the game.
Coach Amr Elmaraghy commented on the match’s intensity: “We had a good first quarter, playing good defense, but that changed in the second quarter. We had some mistakes that we need to correct.” Uganda’s coach, Nicholas Natuhereza, remarked on their performance, indicating a need for improvements in finishing matches effectively.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers serve as an essential platform for teams in the region to showcase their skills and compete for a coveted spot in the AfroBasket finals. The competitive nature of the qualifiers reflects the growing strength of women’s basketball in Africa, with nations such as South Sudan and Egypt making significant strides. The matches are critical not only for team standings but also for the development of women’s sports in their respective countries.
The recent matches in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers revealed significant developments for both South Sudan and Egypt, with South Sudan earning a historic second victory and Egypt maintaining an unbeaten streak. As teams prepare for the upcoming matches, the emphasis on improving strategies and managing game dynamics will be crucial for future successes. The rising competitive spirit among these nations highlights the evolving landscape of women’s basketball in Africa.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
