Hosts KPA opened their WBLA Qualifier campaign with a dominant 81–57 win over the Foxes. Ifunya Okoro led all scorers with 18 points as KPA set the tone early, thrilling home fans and strengthening their path to Cairo 2025.
Last Updated on
November 10, 2025
In the final collection of qualifying group phase games, to secure a place at the Cairo-based 2025 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) in December, every team will be aiming to make an early impression.
However, that call was louder, with a lot more pressure on the hosts, KPA, but to the chagrin of their rivals, they answered fashionably.
For the first three minutes, it was all KPA. They set the tone early by converting a jump shot from their jump ball play. They went on a 7-0 run to establish some distance from their opponents. The Foxes finally got points on the scoreboard when Asinah Kabendela drew an and-one but failed to convert the free throw.
The fans then enjoyed a shooting sequence that KPA started when Betty Kananu sank a three-pointer, and Mahewa Matewa responded. It was clear that both teams had shaken off their early nerves and were prepared to play good basketball.
True to form, Evelyne Nakiyingi made a three-pointer to keep the hosts alert. In response, the hosts intensified their play, strengthening their defence and improving their offence. This momentum enabled them to build a double-digit lead by the end of the quarter, finishing with a score of 25-13.
KPA started the quarter with a completely different lineup than the one that finished the first quarter. That did not deter the Foxes, as they opened the scoring this time thanks to Tumaini Ndossi under the basket. This set the tone for the following minutes, as both teams traded baskets before KPA eventually gained momentum and took a twenty-point lead halfway through the quarter at 42-22.
The Foxes tried to stop the bleeding, but they could not get into their strides. They gave up easy points, turned the ball over carelessly, and squandered their opportunities. KPA were also not clinical as complacency crept in, but they maintained their twenty-point lead at halftime. They were up 51-31.
Coach Antony Oldo appeared pleased with his team's efforts, as shown by his rotation strategy. His goal was to hold the lead and secure the win without overexerting his players, knowing tougher matches were ahead. Once again, he began this quarter with a fresh five players.
KPA came out of the half blazing hot, scoring 11 unanswered points led by Alima Boumbia. KPA established a 31-point lead, the largest of the game. Yvonne Muhawenimana ended this run with a three-pointer before coach Cathbet Maganga called a timeout.
The timeout proved successful as they went on a 7-2 run, but they did not account for Vilma Owino, who was a menace in the paint and scored four quick points to keep the pressure on the Foxes. Everlyn Nakiyingi had a perfect trip to the line to cut the deficit, but it was still KPA who cruised into the break with the score at 70-45.
The fourth quarter was slower than the rest of the game. There were long periods of deadlock, during which baskets were few and far between. Alima Doumbia once again sank a three-pointer to give the fans something to cheer for.
In a last-ditch effort, the Foxes embarked on an 8-0 run, but it was too little, too late to undo the damage caused. KPA won convincingly and set the tone for the tournament. Wing 81-57 provided their home base of fans with a lot to celebrate.
Evelyne Nakiyingi (16 points) and Asinah Kabendela (15 points) left it all on the floor for the Foxes, but now know they will need even more if they are to secure their ticket to Cairo. Meanwhile, Ifunya Okoro led all scorers with 18 points in just 17 minutes to lead KPA to victory.
[Phtotogrphy Courtesy of FIBA/WBLA]
