South Sudan celebrated their second win in history at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, defeating Kenya 86-69. Egypt secured a narrow 65-62 victory over Uganda, maintaining their unbeaten record. Both teams recognize areas for improvement ahead of their next matches, highlighting the developing competitiveness of women’s basketball in Africa.
South Sudan achieved a historic milestone by securing their second win in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, defeating Kenya decisively with an 86-69 score. Their first victory in the qualifiers was against Rwanda earlier in 2023. South Sudan’s Delicia Washington was instrumental, leading the scoring with 26 points, alongside contributions from Adut Bulgak and Nyamuoch Teny, who added 14 points each. The team excelled at the free-throw line, making 28 of 33 attempts, a stark contrast to Kenya’s 11 of 23.
Meanwhile, the host nation Egypt edged past Uganda 65-62, despite entering the second quarter with a 14-point lead. Uganda displayed a determined fightback with key performances from Paige Robinson and Jane Asinde, who brought the team close at halftime. Although Egypt extended their lead in the second half, Uganda’s Hope Akello and Asinde continued to challenge until the final minutes, but Egypt secured the win with crucial plays from Hala Elshaarawy and Farida Abdelnabi.
Both teams emphasized the areas for improvement as they look forward to their next matches. Coach Alberto Antuna of South Sudan praised his players for their determination and noted the need to reduce turnovers. Similarly, Coach Amr Elmaraghy from Egypt acknowledged that mistakes in defense need to be addressed. Uganda’s coach, Nicholas Natuhereza, commented on their need to finish games more effectively.
The matches reflect the competitive spirit in the qualifying tournament, with South Sudan celebrating a significant achievement while Egypt maintains an unbeaten record. Both teams are poised for upcoming challenges, with South Sudan aiming for continued success and Uganda intent on securing their first win.
This AfroBasket qualification not only highlights the emerging talent in African women’s basketball but also brings attention to the growing competitiveness of the sport across the continent. As teams work towards the final goal of qualifying for the AfroBasket championship, each match brings them closer to their aspirations. South Sudan and Egypt exemplify the growth and dedication prevalent in this tournament.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers serve as a critical pathway for national teams in Africa to secure a position in the AfroBasket championship. This tournament serves as an opportunity for emerging basketball nations like South Sudan to showcase their talent and develop competitive skills. Historically, teams such as Kenya have had stronger performances, but recent matches indicate a shift as newer teams demonstrate their capabilities. The ongoing qualifiers highlight the importance of teamwork, strategy, and resilience in achieving success in the sport.
South Sudan’s historic second win in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers against Kenya marks a significant achievement for the team. Meanwhile, Egypt’s narrow victory over Uganda reflects their continued strength in the tournament. Both teams face areas for improvement as they prepare for future matches, emphasizing the need for greater consistency and skill development. This tournament showcases the increasing competitiveness of women’s basketball in Africa, paving the way for its future growth.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
