Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) secured a commanding victory of 70-49 against Nile Legends of Southern Sudan, concluding the FIBA Africa Women’s Basketball League (AWBL) Zone Five Group ‘B’ qualifiers at the LDK Lyncee gymnasium in Kigali, Rwanda.
The win positioned the porters at the top of their group, leading them to face the last team from Pool ‘A’ in the upcoming quarter-finals.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, KPA coach Anthony Ojukwu expressed satisfaction, emphasizing the unity and determination shown by the players. “The girls have played as a unit from Day One, which is good for us. We respect all the teams in this competition, but we don’t fear them,” Ojukwu remarked. Looking ahead, the coach emphasized an approach of taking “one game at a time.”
KPA’s starters, Morgan Taylor, Natalie Akinyi, Selina Okumu, Medina Okot, and Victoria Reynolds, initiated a strong start, taking a 17-7 lead in the first quarter.
Although the Southern Sudanese rallied back with a 15-13 advantage in the second quarter, KPA maintained the lead, ending the first half with a 30-22 scoreline.
The third quarter saw KPA extend their dominance with a 22-14 charge, setting the stage for a resilient performance. The team held their ground in the final quarter with an 18-13 edge, clinching the win.
Aminata Samassekou scored 16 points, while Victoria Reynolds and Hilda Luvandwa contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively, for KPA. On the opposing side, Brenda Kayaga tallied 14, Nivin Lokuku 12, and Rhoda Nagita posted 10 points.
In the absence of the Alexandria Sporting Club of Egypt, KPA has emerged as a dominating force in the tournament, aspiring to secure a spot in the finals to be held in Cairo next month.
Equity Bank Hawks, another Kenyan team, maintained an impressive unbeaten run in the eight-team competition.
The Hawks showcased their prowess by defeating the Gladiators of Burundi with a score of 77-45. Grace Malu, Christine Akinyi, and Betty Kananu starred for the team, scoring 19, 16, and 13 points, respectively.
Additionally, Equity Bank Hawks secured a notable victory against Vijana Queens of Tanzania with a score of 98-66 in their opening match.
