South Sudan claimed a significant win over Kenya (86-69) in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, marking their second victory in the competition’s history. Meanwhile, Egypt maintained an unbeaten record by narrowly defeating Uganda (65-62), showcasing their perseverance. Both teams are vying for ongoing success in the tournament, with a focus on improving their gameplay.
South Sudan achieved a historic victory by defeating Kenya 86-69 in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, marking their second-ever win in this competition. This success follows their initial win against Rwanda earlier in 2023. Delicia Washington excelled, posting 26 points, supported by Adut Bulgak and Nyamuoch Teny, who both scored 14 points each.
Egypt, the host nation, secured a nail-biting 65-62 win against Uganda, maintaining their unbeaten record in the qualifying round. Egypt led by 14 points at one stage but had to withstand a strong challenge from Uganda, led by Paige Robinson and captain Jane Asinde, who reduced the deficit significantly.
South Sudan’s team displayed formidable strength, particularly from their bench, which contributed 23 points compared to Kenya’s 3. Coach Alberto Antuna praised his players for adapting effectively, despite acknowledging the excessive turnovers they will need to address going forward. Adut Bulgak expressed pride in their performance and vowed the team would continue to fight for qualification.
In contrast, Uganda’s coach, George Mayienga, highlighted his team’s struggles with turnovers and rebounding as critical factors in their loss to Egypt. He remains optimistic about regrouping for their crucial upcoming match. Meanwhile, Egypt’s coach, Amr Elmaraghy, emphasized the need to minimize mistakes as the tournament progresses to ensure consistent performance.
Each team’s progress in the qualifiers reflects their determination and competitive spirit, setting the stage for thrilling upcoming matches as they seek to secure their place in the next round of the tournament.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers are a critical stage for African basketball teams as they aspire to secure a position in the AfroBasket championships. This event serves as a platform for teams to showcase their talent and teamwork. The performance of both South Sudan and Egypt illustrates the competitiveness of the tournament, particularly in the context of their historical and recent achievements. The incorporation of international experiences and coaching strategies plays a vital role in the teams’ outcomes in these qualifiers.
In summary, South Sudan’s significant win over Kenya and Egypt’s narrow victory against Uganda highlight both teams’ resilience and competitive nature in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers. As the tournament progresses, addressing turnover challenges and maintaining strong defensive strategies will be crucial for each team’s success in upcoming matches. The outcome of these matches not only impacts the standings but also the morale of the teams as they vie for a place in the AfroBasket championships.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
