Historic Win for South Sudan; Egypt Edges Past Uganda in FIBA Qualifiers
South Sudan claimed a landmark 86-69 victory over Kenya, marking their second win in FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers. Egypt narrowly defeated Uganda 65-62 to remain undefeated. Both teams aim to refine their skills as they approach future matches in the qualifying rounds.
In a historic moment for South Sudan, the women’s basketball team achieved their second-ever victory in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers, overpowering Kenya with an impressive score of 86-69. This significant win follows their inaugural victory against Rwanda earlier in the qualifiers. Led by Delicia Washington, who scored 26 points, the South Sudanese team showcased their depth, with notable contributions from their bench, contrasting with Kenya’s struggle at the free-throw line and excessive turnovers.
Meanwhile, hosts Egypt secured their second win of the campaign, narrowly defeating Uganda 65-62 despite leading by 14 points earlier in the match. Uganda mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the score to just one point by halftime. In a tense final quarter, critical plays by Egyptian players helped them maintain their advantage, despite Uganda’s strong performance in the latter stages of the game, which ultimately fell short.
Both teams face upcoming challenges as South Sudan aims to build on their momentum against Burundi, while Egypt seeks to strengthen their standing following an intense battle with Uganda. The contrasting performances highlight the competitive spirit within the qualifiers, where teams are striving to secure their positions for future tournaments. Players and coaches alike acknowledge the need for improvement in areas such as defense and turnover management to enhance their prospects in coming matches.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers play a crucial role in determining which teams qualify for the continental championship. South Sudan and Egypt, both competing in this year’s format, are working diligently to build their reputations on the international basketball stage. The qualifiers serve as a platform not only for wins and statistics but also for nurturing young talent and strengthening the sport in these nations, particularly in a region with a growing interest in basketball.
In summary, South Sudan celebrated a historic victory against Kenya, marking a significant milestone for the team, while Egypt managed to hold off a determined Ugandan side to maintain their unbeaten status. As both teams prepare for their next matches, the focus will be on refining their strategies and improving execution to ensure success in the ongoing qualifiers.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball