Africabasket's comprehensive review of the FIBA Africa Zone 5 U-18 AfroBasket Qualifiers offers an in-depth look at the tournament's key highlights. This article explores standout performances, tactical manoeuvres, and pivotal moments that shaped the competition. Dive into the fierce battles as nations battle for the opportunity to showcase their skills at the 2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket championship in August.
Last Updated on
June 19, 2024
Kendi Mwiti
Staff Writer
Hosts Uganda are maintaining their strong performance in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers in Kampala, Uganda. The boys' team, the Junior Silverbacks, demolished Rwanda after overcoming a four-point deficit in the first quarter to secure a 78-49 victory, marking their second consecutive win. On day one, they overpowered Tanzania with a 103-58 triumph.
Kagaba Musiime led the scoring with 15 points, followed closely by Andrew Mukisa with 14. Edrine Ekau and Gideon Ekukwai also contributed significantly, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively. Rwanda's effort was spearheaded by Dylan Lebson Kayijuka.
"All we had to was stick to our plan, do our job and execute and we did," Musiime said after the win.
In the other boys' match-up, Kenya secured their first victory with a 95-81 win over Tanzania. Powell Owino led the charge for Kenya, scoring 23 points and completing a double-double with ten rebounds, just one assist short of a triple-double.
Uganda's dominance continued with the Junior Gazelles, the girls' team, overpowering Kenya 97-47, extending their home run to 2-0. Resty Nanangwe again led the way, replicating her impressive opening-day performance by emerging as the top scorer with 23 points.
"Uganda came hard at us and they forced us into turnovers that hurt us. In the next match we have to really go hard and reduce our turnovers" - Kenya's Valentine Korir offered after their side's first loss of the tourney.
On day two of the FIBA Africa Zone 5 U-18 AfroBasket Qualifiers, Pendo Laizer was the centre of attention as she steered Tanzania's girls' team to their inaugural triumph in dramatic fashion.
In a nail-biting contest that could have gone either way, Pendo's commanding performance paved the path to victory. She registered an impressive double-double with 14 points and a staggering 19 rebounds, asserting her dominance under the basket.
Tanzania seized the early lead, edging out Rwanda with an 18-15 advantage in the opening quarter. However, the momentum shifted in the second stanza, with Rwanda narrowing the gap to just one point at halftime, tallying 20 points against Tanzania's 18.
The game reached its peak in the third quarter, with both teams refusing to back down. Rwanda managed to outscore Tanzania 16-14, carrying a slight lead into the final stretch. However, their advantage was short-lived as Tanzania snatched the win by the narrowest of margins, emerging victorious with a final score of 70-69.
"This was a tough win. We improved on our defense and the ball moved better on the court amongst us. We also tried to minimise pressure no matter how hard Rwanda fought. We hope to keep the same momentum in coming matches," Laizer said after the match.
Brigitte Nibishaka, still seeking her first taste of victory in the tournament after a defeat to Uganda on the opening day, urged her teammates to maintain their focus on the court.
"We have to play better as a team. Trust each other, share the ball more and follow our coaches' instructions. We are not giving up," Nibishaka offered.
