Uganda and Kenya claimed crucial victories in the Zone 5 Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers, with Uganda defeating South Sudan 83-69 and Kenya overpowering Burundi 87-53. Jane Asinde shined for Uganda, while Victoria Reynolds led Kenya’s efforts. Both teams showcased significant improvements, focusing on execution and management as the tournament progresses.
In the latest round of the Zone 5 Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers, held in Cairo, Uganda and Kenya achieved significant victories, reviving their chances for classification. Uganda triumphed over South Sudan with an 83-69 score, while Kenya secured its first win of the tournament by decisively defeating Burundi 87-53.
Jane Asinde was the standout player for Uganda, scoring 28 points and securing nine rebounds in their match against South Sudan. Uganda’s performance improved notably from the three-point line, hitting 7-of-21 attempts. They dominated both in the paint and on fast breaks, significantly contributing to their steady performance. Coach Nicholas Natuhereza expressed satisfaction with the team’s focus and improvement in shooting efficiency compared to previous games.
For the Kenya Lionesses, Victoria Reynolds led the charge against Burundi with an impressive 22 points, alongside seven assists and six steals. Kenya showcased a strong offensive start, particularly in the first quarter, and made effective adjustments in the second half to maintain their lead. Skipper Selina Okumu added 15 points, highlighting the balanced scoring that characterized Kenya’s performance.
Despite their loss, Burundi’s Ines Nezerwa managed to score 20 points, becoming the only player from her team to reach double figures. Coach Arséne Mfuraniza pointed to poor ball handling as a primary issue, stating that they must improve their management of the ball to avoid turnovers in future games.
Both coaches reflected on their teams’ performances, with a focus on building towards future matches. The competitive landscape of the Zone has intensified, with teams like Uganda and Kenya finding their footing amidst challenging circumstances.
The Zone 5 Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers serve as a crucial tournament for national teams vying for classification to the AfroBasket finals. With multiple teams competing, individual performances and strategies play a key role in determining success. Understanding how teams adapt and manage their play is essential for predicting outcomes and assessing their capabilities moving forward.
Both Uganda and Kenya’s recent victories mark a turning point in their campaign for qualification in the Zone 5 Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers. With standout performances and improved strategies, both teams have demonstrated resilience, essential for their continued pursuit of success. The next games will be critical as they aim to secure their positions for the AfroBasket finals.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
