Cameroon books spot for its 15th FIBA Women’s AfroBasket after DR Congo win

Cameroon’s women’s basketball team will compete at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket for the 15th time after clinching the Zone 4 ticket for next year's event in Cote D'Ivoire.

After a first 75-49 win over host the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, Cameroon needed a win to seal its spot for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 while DR Congo needed a win with a significant margin to secure their ticket for next year’s pinnacle nations event.

D.R. Congo started the game like their life depended on it, executing beautiful pick-and-roll sequences with an aggressive defence to secure a 17-13 win in the first quarter. Cameroon, however, quickly closed the four-point deficit, heading into the second quarter with more zeal to win the second quarter 21-7. With Cameroon heading into the half-time leading 38-24, the Cameroonians didn’t take their legs off the pedal. Another 16-10 win in the third quarter followed by a 17-16 victory in the fourth quarter concluded a comfortable 67-50 for Cameroon, with the team winning its second match in two days to sail through to the continental sports event slated for next year in Cote D’Ivoire.

Cameroon guard Monique Makani came in strong with an unrivalled 15 points, contributing significantly on defence, grabbing three boards with an efficiency of 15. Suzanne Eben also hit double digits, adding 10 points. Liliane Ikete with 11 points and seven rebounds and Deborah Kaba Mayimona who scored 10 points with seven boards kept the Democratic Republic of Congo afloat.

At the post-game press conference, Cameroon’s coach Ahmed Mbombo Njoya commended his side for showing resilience despite a sloppy start into Game 2.

“In the first quarter, I think the players were relaxed because we won the previous day. I knew this will happen but after the second quarter the players got confident, we had good open shots which we took, and things went our way.” Cameroon's coach, Ahmed Mbombo Njoya

Courtesy of two wins, Cameroon will compete at its 15th FIBA Women’s AfroBasket next year. The “Lionesses” as Cameroon’s team is christened in 14 previous participations have ended on the podium four times, finishing third three times and coming second once in 2015 when the Central African nation hosted its first FIBA Women’s Afrobasket.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]