Uganda and Egypt have secured spots in the final of the Women’s AfroBasket Zone Five Qualifiers after crucial victories over Burundi and South Sudan, respectively. Uganda triumphed 66-30, while Egypt won 85-64. Both teams emphasize the importance of remaining focused ahead of their upcoming respective matches in the tournament.
On the fourth day of the Women’s AfroBasket Zone Five Qualifiers, Uganda secured their finals spot with a decisive victory over Burundi, winning 66-30. Meanwhile, host nation Egypt continued their undefeated streak, overcoming South Sudan with an 85-64 win. Both teams have clinched positions in the championship match, although Egypt must first face Kenya in their final group stage game on Friday.
In the matchup between Egypt and South Sudan, the visitors initially surged into a lead of 20-19 after the opening quarter. South Sudan aimed to recover from a prior loss to Uganda. However, Egypt’s Raneem Elgedawy and Meral Abdelgawad responded forcefully, scoring 17 points to reclaim control in the second quarter. Egypt’s robust performance in the third quarter ultimately crushed South Sudan’s aspirations, ending with a final score of 85-64.
“We did not have a good start, but our bench brought back the energy and we were able to make a comeback,’ stated Nadine Mohamed. “Our focus is on the upcoming match against Kenya and not the final yet. This match serves as vital preparation.” South Sudan’s Nyamuoch Teny, who scored 20 points, emphasized the importance of team unity: “We will continue to represent our country to the best of our capabilities.”
Uganda demonstrated resilience in their match against Burundi, recovering from an initial 17-14 deficit to claim a convincing victory. With a strong performance from Jamila Nansikombi and Melissa Akullu, who scored 14 and 12 points respectively, Uganda proved their mettle by limiting Burundi to only 13 points after the first quarter. Coach Nicholas Natuhereza acknowledged his team’s slow start, attributing it to mental readiness after previous success.
Coach Natuhereza remarked, “I do not believe we were mentally prepared after last night’s significant win, which accounts for our slow start. However, I am pleased we executed enough to secure the victory.” Following their defeat, Burundi’s coach, Arséne Mfuranzima, expressed hope that their learning experiences would enhance their performance in the final group fixture against South Sudan. Assistant coach Ines Kanyamuneza echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for advancement in strategy and game management.
The Women’s AfroBasket Zone Five Qualifiers is an essential tournament leading up to the AfroBasket Championship, featuring national teams from East African nations. This event is not only critical for determining the participating teams for upcoming championships but also serves as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and teams’ strategies. It fosters competitive spirit and regional pride, showcasing the growth of women’s basketball in Africa.
The Women’s AfroBasket Zone Five Qualifiers have culminated in crucial victories for both Uganda and Egypt, setting them up for a final clash. With steadfast performances each team displayed, they demonstrated their capabilities and preparation for the forthcoming championship match. As the competition progresses, teams must remain adaptable and focused to succeed against their opponents. The tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for women’s basketball and reflects the growing interest and investment in the sport across Africa.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
