South Sudan marked their second-ever win in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers with an 86-69 victory over Kenya, also overcoming a history of defeats against them. Egypt continued their strong performance, winning 65-62 against Uganda, remaining unbeaten. Both teams highlighted their strengths and areas for improvement for future matches.
South Sudan achieved a significant milestone by securing their second-ever victory in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, defeating Kenya 86-69. This marks their first triumph against Kenya, who had previously dominated them in three prior encounters. In another match, Egypt won 65-62 against Uganda, maintaining their perfect record in the qualifiers.
South Sudan’s victory was characterized by a standout performance from Delicia Washington, who scored 26 points and contributed seven assists and six rebounds. Former WNBA player Adut Bulgak and Nyamuoch Teny also shone with 14 points each. The team’s strength stemmed from their bench, which outscored Kenya’s with 23 points to just 3. Moreover, South Sudan excelled at the free-throw line, converting 28 of 33 attempts compared to Kenya’s 11 of 23.
Coach Alberto Antuna expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments despite acknowledging the need to reduce the 34 turnovers. He noted that strategic defensive adjustments in the second quarter contributed significantly to their success. Adut Bulgak highlighted the journey towards this win as special for the team, emphasizing their determination to continue competing for a qualifying spot.
In the match against Uganda, Egypt faced challenges after a strong start and nearly squandered a 14-point lead. Uganda’s late-game surge included a comeback that saw them close the gap to just one point at halftime. Coach Amr Elmaraghy stressed the importance of consistent competitiveness throughout the game, indicating that turnovers were a major area for improvement.
Following the game, Uganda’s coach, Nicholas Natuhereza, acknowledged Egypt’s ability to capitalize on crucial moments that ultimately secured their win. He emphasized the need for his team to improve their game management, especially in closing out tight matches.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers serve as a platform for teams in the region to compete for a place in the AfroBasket tournament. The competition is fierce, with nations striving to refine their skills and build their basketball programs. South Sudan and Egypt’s successes reflect both historic achievements and the growing competitive landscape within African women’s basketball. The qualifiers not only measure current capabilities but also promote the development of the sport within member countries.
In summary, South Sudan celebrated a landmark victory with their second win in history against Kenya, while Egypt remained unbeaten after a narrow win against Uganda. Both teams showcased their abilities, but also recognized areas needing improvement, such as turnovers and game management. These qualifiers are pivotal for the teams as they aim to secure their spots in upcoming international competitions.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
