South Sudan earned a historic second win, beating Kenya 86-69 in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers. Egypt secured a narrow 65-62 victory over Uganda to maintain their perfect record. Both teams showcased resilience and determination, with standout performances from key players.
South Sudan achieved a historic second victory in FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, defeating Kenya 86-69. This marks their second win ever, following a previous success against Rwanda. Delicia Washington was the standout player with 26 points, while South Sudan’s bench significantly outscored Kenya’s.
Meanwhile, hosts Egypt narrowly secured their second victory of the campaign, overcoming Uganda 65-62. Despite leading by 14 points early on, Egypt faced a fierce challenge from Uganda, especially in the second and final quarters. As key players stepped up, Egypt ultimately managed to hold on for the victory.
Coach Alberto Antuna expressed pride in South Sudan’s performance, highlighting their defensive efforts and adaptability. He acknowledged the need to reduce turnovers but emphasized the significance of this victory. Adut Bulgak remarked on the emotional journey leading to this win, reflecting the team’s determination to continue competing.
Egypt’s head coach Amr Elmaraghy acknowledged their initial strong defense but noted the team’s inconsistency throughout the match. He emphasized the importance of maintaining competitiveness for the entirety of the game. Uganda’s coach, Nicholas Natuhereza, recognized the need for improvement in closing out games and executing winning strategies.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers serve as a critical stage for African women’s basketball teams aiming for continental success. South Sudan’s historical second win highlights their growth and progress in the sport, while Egypt’s performance reflects their status as hosts and a competitive team in the qualifiers. These matches underscore the emerging competitiveness among East African teams and the potential for developing talent in the region.
In conclusion, South Sudan has made significant strides in women’s basketball with their second-ever win, showcasing impressive team dynamics and player performances. Conversely, Egypt remains unbeaten, though they must address inconsistencies to enhance their future matches. The competitive spirit displayed by both teams signals the rising profile of women’s basketball in the region, indicating that more thrilling contests are to come in the qualifiers.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
