South Sudan claimed their second-ever win in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, defeating Kenya 86-69, while Egypt held off Uganda for a narrow 65-62 victory to maintain their perfect record. Both teams showcased impressive performances, with significant contributions from key players. The upcoming matches will be crucial for all teams in this competitive tournament.
South Sudan achieved a historic second victory in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, defeating Kenya 86-69. This win marks their second triumph after previously beating Rwanda 54-40 in the same qualifiers. Delicia Washington played a pivotal role in the match, scoring 26 points, while teammates Adut Bulgak and Nyamuoch Teny added 14 points each. South Sudan’s bench strength significantly outperformed Kenya’s, contributing 23 points compared to Kenya’s three. Coach Alberto Antuna expressed pride in the team’s hard-earned win and acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in managing turnovers.
Hosts Egypt also secured their second consecutive victory, narrowly defeating Uganda 65-62. Despite initially leading by 14 points, Egypt faced a resilient Ugandan team that managed to close the gap significantly. Key contributors on the Egyptian side included Hala Elshaarawy and Farida Abdelnabi, whose crucial layups helped seal the win. Coach Amr Elmaraghy noted the need for corrections in turnovers and emphasized the importance of maintaining competitiveness throughout the game.
While South Sudan celebrates their historic win, Uganda’s coach Nicholas Natuhereza acknowledged his team’s need to improve their closing skills to secure future victories. He emphasized that Egypt’s ability to perform decisive plays in critical moments ultimately made the difference in the match. Both teams are looking ahead to their upcoming games as they strive for further success in the qualifiers.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers are a key tournament for national teams in East Africa, providing an opportunity for teams like South Sudan and Egypt to showcase their skills. South Sudan, a relatively new contender, has made significant strides, securing their second victory in history against a strong Kenyan team. Meanwhile, Egypt, as hosts, aims to leverage home-court advantage to maintain an unbeaten record, while Uganda seeks to regroup after a close defeat.
In summary, South Sudan and Egypt achieved significant victories in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, with South Sudan earning their second historical win against Kenya, and Egypt maintaining their perfect record against Uganda. Both teams demonstrated resilience and competitiveness despite challenges, highlighting the growth and rivalry in East African women’s basketball. The upcoming matches will further shape the tournament landscape as teams adapt and strive for higher achievements.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
