African Women's Basketball League Game Recap: CNSS vs ASPAC

CNSS, the Congolese Representatives, Secure 9th Position in the Inaugural AWBL

This was the game that determined who came first from the bottom between two team with no victory in the group stage.

After a long disappointing week, CNSS just couldn’t see themselves going home without a victory as the Ade Koko-coached squad were finally able to pick up their first win of the inaugural AWBL season. CNSS capitalised on ASPAC's defensive lapses and offensive mistakes, establishing a commanding 15-point lead.

ASPAC's offensive difficulties were bad as they only managed to score their first points after the initial six minutes of play, facing challenges with accuracy, particularly from the free-throw line.

In the second period, ASPAC intensified their defense, leading to offensive challenges for CNSS. The Benin Zone 3 representatives shifted their approach, attacking the Congolese basket rather than settling for contested shots. This allowed them to score quick and easy points, narrowing CNSS' lead to five points as they headed into halftime with a score of 38-33.

In the second half, CNSS displayed increased efficiency in connecting their shots, particularly in fast-break situations. ASPAC responded by hitting a several vital three-pointers, but despite their efforts, the scoreboard did not favour them, closing the third period with CNSS leading 53-40. In the final quarter, CNSS elevated their game to another level, converting the majority, if not all, of their shot attempts.

The Ade-coach club came they saw, but unfortunately they did not conquer. However, they secured the 9th position in the tournament by defeating Benin's ASPAC 70-46.

ASPAC's head coach, Landry Adognon, addressed his team's shortcomings in the game, while Aishatou Kondoh emphasised that Beninese basketball as a long way to go to compete at this level.

I think the basketball level in Benin is not sufficient enough for this type of championship and our participation permits us to be conscious and to know what to do in future.

Africabasket also spoke to CNSS' head coach, Ade Koko, who emphasised the significance of their sole victory in the tournament.

I am very happy. It is a very young team like I said before. We are going back to work and to work very hard for us first and for the competition which is in an exceptional level we saw great players and great team and we will work harder and for that I want to thank the athletes.