FBA Clinch First WBLA 2025 Victory, Outclass Bravehearts 72–54 to Secure 11th Place

Ivorian-based club Friends Basketball Association (FBA) arrived at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa, eager to improve on last year’s impressive fifth-place finish. Instead, their second cameo on Africa’s biggest club stage saw them slip to 11th place, a result that underlines both the progress and pitfalls of a young outfit learning to navigate elite continental competition.  

FBA’s journey in Cairo was a roller-coaster of competitive spirit tempered by inconsistency. Drawn into a tough group alongside seasoned sides, they struggled to find rhythm early on. A lopsided loss to Rwanda powerhouse REG highlighted defensive lapses and offensive inefficiencies that plagued FBA in key moments of the group phase.  

Despite early setbacks, the Ivorian side showed tenacity and flashes of promise. Head Coach Lemou Benga insisted his squad could compete physically and mentally with Africa’s best, and some moments validated his belief. But in a tightly contested field where depth and experience can make all the difference, FBA’s youthful roster was often on the back foot against more battle-tested teams.

The campaign’s bright spot ultimately came in FBA’s final classification game against fellow debutants Bravehearts. On paper, the matchup offered a chance to close the tournament on a high note, and the Ivorians delivered. Playing at the Prince Abdallah Al Faisal Sports Hall, they secured a 72–54 victory, finishing the competition with a 1–3 record while handing the Bravehearts a winless exit.  

At the heart of the win was Malian international Djeneba Sangare. In a performance that was as gritty as it was prolific, Sangare led FBA’s offence with 29 points. While her shooting line (10-for-27 overall and 3-for-15 from three) was inefficient, Sangare compensated by being aggressive at the free-throw line, draining all six attempts and asserting herself in critical moments of the game.  

Complementing Sangare was American forward Zykera Rice, who closed the competition on an emphatic note. Rice’s first double-double of the tournament, tallying 14 points and 12 rebounds, offered a glimpse of her potential as a cornerstone for FBA’s future. Notably, she scored nine points from the charity stripe, showcasing her hustle and ability to draw fouls, a trait that could become invaluable with more seasoning.

That team... they fought hard. We just tried to keep a good lead so things don't get too crazy

Rice stated post-game.

Another contributor in double digits was Saran Diakite, whose 13-point output added balance to FBA’s scoring attack and helped stabilise stretches where the Ivorians needed offensive rhythm.  

Ultimately, FBA’s campaign may not have matched the heights of their debut last year, but it provided valuable lessons. With flashes of individual brilliance and a growing understanding of the physical demands of elite club basketball, they leave Cairo with both experience and a clear blueprint for improvement. For a club still carving out its identity on the continental stage, those lessons may prove more important than the final standings.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]