Game Report: Al Ahly SC were ruthless in the Women's Basketball League Africa semifinals, overpowering KPA 116-59. KPA, the reigning Kenyan champions, struggled significantly, particularly in the first quarter, where they managed a mere four points, marking an embarrassing performance.
Last Updated on
November 1, 2024
In a display of sheer dominance, Al Ahly SC embarrassed KPA in the Women's Basketball League Africa semifinals, securing their place in the final with a resounding scoreline of 104-63. KPA, the reigning Women's National League champions in Kenya, struggled throughout the game, especially in the opening quarter, where they managed a mere four points.
KPA's first quarter was nothing short of horrifying to watch, as they missed shot after shot and committed nine turnovers. Despite the efforts of players like Selina Okumu, Alima Doumbia, Natalie Mwangale, and Nkem Akaraiwe, KPA could not find any sort of rhythm. It wasn't until 2:43 remained in the quarter that Alima Doumbia finally broke the drought, making the score 20-2. Al Ahly SC capitalised on KPA's struggles, with Farida Abdelnabi, Meral Abdelgawad, Ndioma Kane, and former London Lions center Paulina Hersler consistently piling on the pressure. Hilda Join Indasi added KPA's fourth point just before the end of the quarter, with the score standing at 28-4.
The second quarter saw a slight improvement from KPA, as they managed to score 22 points, but Al Ahly SC maintained control, matching their output and ending the half at 50-26. KPA's contributions mainly came from Natalie Mwangale, Hilda Join Indasi, Malu Irebu Grace, Nkem Akaraiwe, and Alima Doumbia, who all worked to save their team from further embarrassment. Interestingly, Alima Doumbia and Natalie Mwangale were the only players to record steals in the quarter, with Doumbia securing two.
Al Ahly SC's three-point shooting was a key factor in their lead, as Ndioma Kane and Nadine Mohamed Sayed Soliman Mohamed both found success from beyond the arc. A buzzer-beater layup from Reem Moussa highlighted Al Ahly's sheer dominance and superiority going into halftime.
The third quarter was equally one-sided, with Al Ahly SC scoring 34 points while limiting KPA to just 18. The Cairo-based club's defensive adjustments proved incredibly effective, preventing KPA from gaining momentum. Al Ahly SC drained five crucial three-pointers during this quarter, and their relentless defence forced KPA into three turnovers, including a 24-second shot clock violation. By the end of the third quarter, the score had ballooned to 84-44.
With little threat from KPA, Al Ahly SC maintained their pressure, scoring 16 points in the final quarter while holding KPA to just 13. Bench players Dina Elsharbasy, Jayda Khaled Ahmed Mahmoud Elmasry, Hanaa Abdullah, Farida Abdelnabi, and Yara Hussein combined to contribute 40 points, further distancing themselves from KPA.
Nadine Mohamed led Al Ahly SC with 19 points, complemented by three assists and two rebounds. The team shot an impressive 58.3% from the floor and 41.67% from three-point range, dishing out 23 assists compared to KPA's 12. Former London Lions center Paulina Hersler contributed seven points, six rebounds, and one steal for Al Ahly SC, while Raneem Elgedawy scored 16 points and Meral Abdelgawad scored 12 points.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA Africa]
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