Capturing a zone 6 battle...the drama, passion, and athletic mastery displayed as Ferroviário de Maputo lived up to their name and mission, booking their place in the semifinals with a hard-fought 66–58 victory over Sporting Clube de Luanda.
Last Updated on
December 13, 2025
In a game that had the flair of championship basketball and the intensity of a finale, Ferroviário de Maputo once again reminded everyone why they are the reigning queens of African women’s club basketball. With grit, poise, and sheer determination, the Mozambican powerhouses carved out a 66–58 victory over Sporting Clube de Luanda in their quarter-final clash at the FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa 2025.
This wasn’t just another knockout game. It was a test of wills, a battle between pedigree and ambition, and when the final buzzer sounded, Ferroviário stood tall, punching their ticket to the semifinals in style.
Leading the charge for the Locomotivas was Silvia Veloso, who delivered nothing short of a masterpiece.
With 19 points, the team’s highest and seven rebounds, Veloso was the engine, the spark, and the calm in the storm for Ferroviário. Her impact extended beyond the box score; she controlled tempo, attacked decisively, and punished every defensive lapse with surgical efficiency. Her presence on the glass and on the floor served notice that Ferroviário wasn’t just here to participate; they were here to defend their crown.
It wasn’t a solo act. Stefania Chiziane and Ingvild Mucauro joined the party, complementing Veloso with 13 and 11 points, respectively. Chiziane’s sharpshooting and Mucauro’s veteran savvy proved vital in maintaining balance and depth on offence, forcing Sporting’s defence to scramble and adjust throughout the night. Their contributions highlighted a defining truth: this Ferroviário squad is not reliant on one player — they are a collective force.
But Ferroviário’s journey was not uncontested. On the Angolan side, Nelma Cunha was clinical, pouring in 17 points and crashing the boards with eight rebounds, a standout showing that kept Sporting competitive throughout. Her leadership on both ends of the floor rallied her teammates and kept the scoreboard ticking in critical moments. Alongside her, Nilsa Chiziane added 14 points, fueling Sporting’s offensive fight and making this more than just a routine victory.
The matchup became a battle of Chizianes, pitting two Mozambican talents against each other in a fierce contest of skill, pride, and tactical savvy. It was sibling rivalry writ large across the canvas of continental competition, thrilling, emotional, and fiercely contested.
As the game wore on, moments of tension gave way to moments of brilliance. Sporting’s runs tested Ferroviário’s composure, but the champions responded with precisely what separates great teams from the rest: heart, resilience, and belief. In crunch time, it was Ferroviário’s poise that made the difference: they controlled key possessions, executed on offence, and defended with discipline when it mattered most.
Destiny Pitts had this to say.
I think that we stay together, even though it was a tough battle we stayed together and pull out the victory at the end. They definitely showed a lot of strength and resilience, but we had to keep them out of the paint.
“Do not undermine the heart of a champion.” If ever a performance embodied that phrase, it was this one. Ferroviário didn’t just win, they stamped their authority, silenced doubters, and showcased a template for championship football: skill balanced with soul.
With this win, Ferroviário de Maputo clinches the first semifinal berth in their quest for back-to-back titles in the WBLA. They’ve defended their honour, extended their legacy, and sent a message to every contender: The Locomotivas are far from done.
Basketball Africa’s elite battles continue, but one thing is sure: if Ferroviário plays like this, the road to another crown is wide open.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
