African Women's Basketball League Game Recap: Inter Clube vs Customs

Inter Clube Clinches Semi-Final Berth in the African Women's Basketball League

Angola's Inter Clube qualified for the semi-finals of a continental competition for the eighth time in a row, beating Nigeria's Customs 89-65 on Sunday December 17 in the quarter-finals of the African Women's Basketball League (AWBL) held in Alexandria.

To achieve this record, the Angolan women were able to count on a quartet that turned in more than ten points against Customs. Tyra Jade Johnson (17 points), Ingvild Mucauro (16 points), Cristina Matiquite (14 points) and finally Italee Lucas (1 point). 

Italee Lucas and Christina Matiquite combined for 21 of the Angolan team's 31-11 first-quarter lead. Customs' chances dwindled in the second half when coach Pires used his second team in the second half, which ended 17-16 and 21-13 in favor of Customs, but it was too little too late to change the trajectory of the match that determined the final Last Four team.

For Nigeria, Olaoluwatomi Oluwayemisi Taiwo (14 points), Marianne Johnson (12 points) and captain Nkem Akaraiwe (11 points) were unable to make the difference for their team. 

"The first objective was to win the game and qualify, but we also wanted to use this game to motivate all the players and give them confidence for the next more difficult games. We took a comfortable lead and it was easier to field all the players, as we need everyone for the semi-finals," said coach Pires after the match.

The tactician admits, however, that she is concerned about the contribution of her bench and the team's defense. "We need to work on our defense. What we did today won't be enough for tomorrow. We're playing against a tougher team who can shoot on goal, so we need to do better," she explained.

Inter Clube meet Sporting Club d'Alexandrie in the semi-finals.