South Sudan achieved their historic second win at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers by defeating Kenya 86-69. Egypt secured a narrow 65-62 victory over Uganda, maintaining their unbeaten record. Both teams are focusing on improving their game as they progress in the tournament.
South Sudan celebrated a significant milestone in their basketball journey, achieving their second-ever win in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers by defeating Kenya with a score of 86-69. This came after their initial victory against Rwanda in 2023. Delicia Washington showcased exceptional performance, leading the team with 26 points while the bench contributed 23 points, which was pivotal in this match against a previously dominant Kenyan team.
Egypt also maintained their unbeaten run, narrowly defeating Uganda 65-62. Despite allowing Uganda to close the gap after a strong start, Egypt regained control in the second half. Key players Hala Elshaarawy and Farida Abdelnabi secured critical points in the final moments to ensure victory as they continued their quest for the title. The team emphasized the need to improve on their turnovers and consistency.
South Sudan’s journey reflects their relentless pursuit of competitiveness in the qualifiers, with coach Alberto Antuna praising his team’s effort despite acknowledging areas for improvement, particularly regarding their turnovers. Meanwhile, Uganda’s coach, George Mayienga, expressed optimism in regrouping for their next match after acknowledging the need to improve their finishing and reduce fouls.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers are crucial for countries aiming to secure a position in the prestigious AfroBasket tournament. South Sudan and Egypt’s recent performances reflect the rising standards of women’s basketball in eastern Africa. Successful outcomes in these qualifiers can lead to greater exposure and development of the sport in these nations, as they compete against established rivals in their region.
In summary, South Sudan and Egypt secured vital wins in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, highlighting their growth in the sport. South Sudan achieved their second-ever win against Kenya, emphasizing bench strength and improved defense. Meanwhile, Egypt’s narrow victory over Uganda underscored their resilience and the ongoing need for refinement in their game strategy. Both teams are focused on continuing their successful runs in the tournament.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
