South Sudan achieved its second win in FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, defeating Kenya 86-69, while Egypt outlasted Uganda 65-62, preserving their unbeaten streak. Both teams showcased their strengths and acknowledged areas for improvement moving forward in the tournament.
In a remarkable display of skill, South Sudan achieved its second victory in the history of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, triumphing over Kenya with an impressive 86-69 scoreline. This win follows their initial victory against Rwanda in 2023. South Sudan’s standout performance included contributions from Delicia Washington, who scored 26 points, while Kenya saw efforts from Victoria Reynolds and Natalie Mwangale.
Meanwhile, Egypt secured their second consecutive win in the qualifiers, narrowly overcoming Uganda 65-62 to maintain their undefeated status. Despite a strong start, Egypt faced a tough Uganda side that came within a single point at halftime. A final push from captains Hala Elshaarawy and Farida Abdelnabi secured the victory for Egypt.
Coach Alberto Antuna of South Sudan expressed pride in his team’s defensive adaptations and acknowledged the need to improve on their turnovers. Adut Bulgak, the team captain, emphasized the significance of their hard-earned victory and their determination to continue fighting for success in upcoming matches. In contrast, Kenya’s coach, George Mayienga, noted areas of improvement required for the next match against Burundi.
Egypt’s head coach, Amr Elmaraghy, highlighted the importance of maintaining competitive performance throughout the game and expressed concern over turnovers and mistakes that could be improved upon. Uganda’s coach, Nicholas Natuhereza, recognized the closeness of the match and stressed the need for his team to enhance their game finishing in future competitions.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers serve as a critical tournament for teams in the region as they vie for a chance to compete in larger international competitions. South Sudan, despite being a newer team in this context, has shown tremendous growth and competitiveness. Uganda and Egypt, both established teams, are also strategizing to strengthen their performance in this tournament, emphasizing defensive capabilities and minimizing turnovers to secure victories.
In summary, South Sudan celebrated a historic win against Kenya while Egypt narrowly defeated Uganda to maintain their perfect record. South Sudan showcased remarkable talent, particularly from Washington, while Egypt relied on their experienced players to secure a close victory. Both teams will look to address their respective challenges as they progress in the tournament.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
