KAMPALA (Uganda) – FIBA Africa Zone 5 reigning champions Kenya Lionesses beat host Uganda, and Egypt saw off South Sudan on the day the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers tipped off at the MTN Arena, Lugogo in Kampala, Uganda.
The Kenyans, led by center Medina Okot, got off to a good start taking a 11-7 advantage before Evlyne Nakiyingi started a Uganda climb back.
Kenya repelled that threat to take a 16-7 first quarter margin.
With the home fans rooting for the Gazelles, it gave them hope but they were punished by Mercy Wanyama who provided the sparks. She combined with Okot and Christine Akinyi to lift Kenya to a 34-25 scoreline at the break.
Jannon Otto ensured Uganda were right into the game as Uganda fought back to lock the second quarter 18-18.
But it was a brief relief for the honking fans as a three-pointer shot by Brenda Ekone was answered by Rose Ouma who connected on a steal for a 37-27 Kenya lead with 6:05 left.
The host clawed back to two point game at 39-37 with 3:21 left on the clock as Kenya failed to hit the target.
Rita Imanishimwe’s three free shots lifted the Ugandans above their neighbours hanged on 40-39.
The scores were locked 40-40 before a rebound by Wanyama saw Kenya take a 42-40 lead they would not relinquish the rest of the way. Wanyama and Akinyi scored 15 points and Akinyi 14 for the victors while Okot hauled 20 rebounds and eight points.
For Uganda, Otto posted 11 while Akelo Hope and Ekone managed 10 apiece for Uganda who battled hard to take the last quarter scores 18-11
Egypt had to use their experience to shut down a determined South Sudan side 83-68 in the opening game of the six-day tournament.
Egypt who nailed the opening basket from Raneem Eldegawy scored the tournaments’ first points as the pharaohs led 19-14 in the first quarter.
The South Sudanese, playing in only their second outing, had strong contributions from Adut Bulgak, but they still trailed 26-19 as the last quarter ended.
A three-pointer by Mohamed Sayed saw Eqypt away to a 18-10 advantage before the losers roared back to peg them down 32-32.
But the Egyptians coach Ehab Elalfy’s time out ignited them to a 61-43 edge as the buzzer sounded to end the third quarter.
Soraia Deghady, Mohamed Sayed and Elgedawy dictated the terms with Elgedawy registering game-high of 23 points, Sayeed tallied 19 that included five three-pointers for Egypt.
Leading the South Sudanese scoring tally was Bulgak who tallied 16, Nyamuoch Pidor sunk 16 and Acheil Marko grabbed 13.
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