South Sudan secured a historic second win against Kenya with an 86-69 score in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers. Egypt maintained their perfect record by narrowly defeating Uganda 65-62. Both matches highlighted key performances, with South Sudan emphasizing bench strength and Egypt demonstrating resilience despite challenges.
In a remarkable display at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, South Sudan achieved their second-ever victory by defeating Kenya 86-69, marking a significant milestone for the team. In contrast, hosts Egypt continued their successful campaign by narrowly overcoming Uganda 65-62, maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament.
South Sudan, competing in their third qualifier appearance, delivered a powerful performance against Kenya. Delicia Washington led her team with 26 points, supported by Adut Bulgak and Nyamuoch Teny, each contributing 14 points. The team’s bench demonstrated exceptional depth, delivering 23 points compared to Kenya’s 3.
Coach Alberto Antuna expressed pride in his team’s accomplishment, noting their hard work against a formidable opponent. He acknowledged the need to address the high number of turnovers, while highlighting the importance of defensive adaptations that contributed to their success. Adut Bulgak emphasized the significance of this victory in their journey, stating the team remains determined for further triumphs.
On the other hand, Egypt faced significant challenges against Uganda, relinquishing a 14-point lead and ultimately securing a narrow 65-62 win. Uganda showcased resilience throughout the match, closing the gap and even taking the lead briefly in the final quarter, driven by performances from Paige Robinson and Jane Asinde.
Coach Amr Elmaraghy highlighted the need for consistent performance, addressing the importance of improving their execution and limiting turnovers as they progress in the tournament. Uganda’s coach, Nicholas Natuhereza, recognized Egypt’s advantage in crucial moments and stressed the necessity of finishing strong in games, areas that the Ugandan team will work on moving forward.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers are critical tournaments aimed at showcasing African women’s basketball talent while securing positions for the AfroBasket continental championship. This year, South Sudan and Egypt are among the participating teams vying for success. South Sudan’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the team’s ongoing development and history in competitive basketball, while Egypt aims to defend their home turf and maintain their performance against tough regional rivals such as Uganda and Kenya.
In conclusion, South Sudan’s historic victory over Kenya signifies a positive trajectory for the team in international women’s basketball. Meanwhile, Egypt’s tense win against Uganda reinforces their competitive spirit as they strive for supremacy in the qualifiers. Both teams’ performances highlight the evolving landscape of women’s basketball in Africa, showcasing the potential for growth and greater international presence in the sport.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
