KPA sealed a convincing victory over CNSS in the WBLA 5–8th classification game, powered by Aminata Samassekou’s 18 points and Alexus Johnson’s 17. Despite Jelinka Tounkara’s 20 points and Saran Berthé’s 13, CNSS could not halt KPA’s balanced dominance.
Last Updated on
December 14, 2025
In a spirited and hard-fought classification clash at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) in Cairo, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) emerged victorious over CNSS with an 81–66 final score, securing momentum as the tournament heads into its final stages. This matchup, which decided the 5th–8th place standings, delivered plenty of action, standout individual performances, and crucial plays that ultimately tilted the balance in favour of the Kenyan side.
From the opening tip, KPA set the tone, asserting control in the first quarter with a 26–19 frame that showcased their offensive fluidity and defensive tenacity. The Dockers continued to build on that edge through the middle quarters, outscoring CNSS 19–12 in the second and 21–9 in the third, establishing a comfortable cushion before closing out the game. CNSS mounted a late push in the fourth quarter (26–15), but KPA’s earlier advantage proved too substantial to overcome.
At the heart of KPA’s victory were two dominant scoring displays. Aminata Samassekou led all scorers for the Dockers with 18 points, knocking down key shots and displaying balance with rebounds and assists that kept KPA’s offence humming. Her performance included vital three-pointers and timely scoring that prevented CNSS from gaining any sustained momentum. Meanwhile, Alexus Johnson was a force in the paint, finishing with 17 points and controlling the boards, pulling down critical rebounds that halted CNSS's second-chance opportunities.
Despite the loss, CNSS received strong contributions on offence. Jelinka Tounkara was electric throughout, leading her team with 20 points and providing a consistent scoring option that kept CNSS within reach during stretches of the contest. Complementing Tounkara was Saran Berthé, who added 13 points and made her presence felt with aggressive drives and mid-range shooting that energised the Congolese side.
KPA’s victory was not just about individual brilliance but also about disciplined team basketball. Their ability to spread the scoring, protect the paint, and execute in transition made the difference. The Dockers shot efficiently from both inside and beyond the arc, forcing CNSS to play catch-up for much of the game. On defence, KPA’s rotation and help defence limited CNSS to lower shooting percentages, particularly in the middle quarters where KPA built its lead.
For CNSS, the contest highlighted both promise and areas for growth. Tounkara and Berthé’s scoring prowess illustrated that the Congolese club has potent playmakers capable of producing offensively against quality competition. However, CNSS struggled to maintain consistency across all four quarters, especially in the middle segments, where their defence was stretched, and KPA was able to open up scoring runs.
The win positions KPA solidly as they prepare for their next classification game, aiming to finish the WBLA on a high note and secure the best possible placement. Their blend of veteran leadership, scoring depth, and rebounding presence has made them a formidable outfit throughout this continental showcase. Meanwhile, CNSS will look to regroup and channel the positive takeaways from Tounkara and Berthé’s performances as they pursue their final ranking in the competition.
In the end, the 81–66 result underscored KPA’s resilience and team cohesion in a tournament filled with elite African women’s basketball talent. It offered fans a thrilling glimpse into the competitive spirit and skill that define the WBLA 2025.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
