African Women's Champions Cup 2022 Playoffs: 3rd Place / Bronze Medal Game

APR Triumphs Over REG in FIBA Zone 5 Africa Women's Champions Cup 2022 Playoffs: Seizes 3rd Place and Bronze

APR (RWA): 3rd vs. REG (RWA): 4th

On Friday 30th September, basketball titans, Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club (APR) and Rwanda Energy Group (REG) attempted to create African Women's basketball club history by making this year’s final an all-Rwandan affair. Alas, this was not meant to be as APR and REG were beaten 61-39 and 49-45 respectively.

As a result of their disappointing results, both Rwandan powerhouse clubs were made to duel it out for a chance to win one bronze medal, as supposed to the historic opportunity to claim both gold and silver, for their country.

That said, both Central African teams played a hard-fought game with, Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club (APR) overcoming their compatriots, 42-39. The Rwandan derby, on Tanzanian soul, saw APR take the first quarter 10-8. Not willing to allow APR to stretch their lead, REG fought back in the second quarter to edge out APR, 13-11 with all things tied 21-21 going into the halftime break.

However, after being read the riot act by their head coach, APR came out determined not to lose. Their suffocating lockdown defence resulted in REG only managing to score 5 points in the third period. With the third-quarter damage set in, the Rwandan League champions fought back to take the fourth quarter 13-9 but it was too little too late as APR were able to hold on and claim the bronze medal.

Uwizeye Assouma helped APR cause dropping 12 points and grabbing 4 rebounds while teammate Nsanzabagnwa Nelly contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds.

Rwanda Energy Group playmaker, Kantore Sandra scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds in a valiant but losing effort.
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Speaking candidly after the game, APR Club head coach Charles Mbazumutima stated:
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“We came here and beat the Rwanda champions. This means we have worked hard. If we get a chance to represent the Zone in the African Championships, it will help us improve considerably.”

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[Image/Photography Credit: FIBA]