C.N.S.S. secured qualification to the 2025 Women’s Basketball League Africa with a 77-58 victory over ASB Makomeno, overcoming an early deficit to dominate the crucial third quarter while showcasing several standout performances.
Last Updated on
October 22, 2025
C.N.S.S. booked their ticket to the 2025 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) with a dominant 77-58 victory over ASB Makomeno in the Group C stage of the qualifiers. The game, held at the Gymnase Multisports de la Police Nationale C in Kinshasa, sent a clear warning signal about the Congolese side's resilience and strategic execution, signalling their intent to improve on their seventh-place finish at WBLA 2024.
ASB Makomeno started strongly, establishing an early lead by outscoring C.N.S.S. 20-15 in the first quarter. Rachel Ngona spearheaded the visitors' effort, showcasing her scoring ability and leadership with precise drives to the basket and timely assists. Her team appeared ready to challenge the more experienced C.N.S.S. side, setting the tone for an intense encounter.
C.N.S.S., however, responded in the second quarter. The hosts leveraged their defensive organisation and offensive depth to limit Makomeno to just 11 points, while putting up 21 themselves. Rhema Kapinga Tshoto began asserting herself, eventually finishing with 21 points, while Laura Ilunga Kabongo contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, providing balance on both ends of the court. By halftime, C.N.S.S. had turned the deficit into a five-point lead, 36-31, demonstrating poise and adaptability.
The third quarter proved decisive. C.N.S.S. amplified their defensive pressure, holding Makomeno to only five points while scoring 18. This pivotal stretch allowed C.N.S.S. to build a commanding 54-41 advantage heading into the final quarter. Kapinga Tshoto’s scoring bursts and Kabongo’s control of the boards exemplified the team’s depth and versatility. Belinda Okoth made notable contributions for Makomeno with 12 points and seven rebounds, but the visitors struggled to respond consistently.
In the final quarter, C.N.S.S. maintained their offensive momentum, outscoring Makomeno 23-22 to secure a 77-58 victory. The result not only underscored C.N.S.S.’s tactical maturity but also confirmed their qualification for the 2025 WBLA, ensuring the team will return to the continental stage after a seventh-place finish in 2024. This win is a statement of intent: C.N.S.S. aims to climb the ranks and challenge for higher honours in the next edition.
C.N.S.S. shot 36.8% from the field and 31.8% from beyond the arc, compared to Makomeno’s 29% and 20.8%, respectively. While free-throw accuracy was close, 57.1% for C.N.S.S. against 60% for Makomeno, the consistent offensive output and superior defensive execution of the Congolese side proved decisive.
Key contributions from Kapinga Tshoto and Kabongo highlighted a collective effort that overcame early pressure and ensured dominance in critical moments.
C.N.S.S.’s victory reflected the importance of cohesion, strategy, and adaptability in high-stakes qualifiers. While Makomeno showed flashes of skill and determination, led by Ngona and Okoth, they could not sustain the intensity needed to counter a disciplined opponent. The hosts’ ability to absorb early pressure, execute on both ends, and finish strong underlines their readiness for the challenges of the upcoming WBLA.
By securing a qualification, C.N.S.S. not only advances to the 2025 WBLA but also sends a clear message to other contenders: the team has learned from its 2024 campaign and is poised to compete at a higher level. With experienced players stepping up when it mattered most and a team-oriented approach dominating the court, C.N.S.S. has laid a strong foundation for their next continental journey.
Ultimately, the match was a testament to skill, determination, and strategic mastery. C.N.S.S.’s comprehensive team performance ensures they return to the WBLA as serious contenders, while Makomeno will need to regroup and address the gaps exposed during a challenging encounter.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/WBLA]
