Cameroon overpowered the Democratic Republic of Congo 75-49, in the first fixture of a two-game series Zone 4 qualifiers to move closer to securing a ticket for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025.
Last Updated on
August 21, 2024
Njie Trompovsky
Staff Writer
On home court in Kinshasa, staging the Zone 4 qualifiers for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025, the host, the Democratic Republic of Congo had hoped to start the two-game series on a bang. Key to this ambitious plan was a victory over Cameroon in Game 1.
However, what many DR Congo fans wished would be a miracle never happened. Rather, what unfolded on the court wasn't far from a nightmare for home fans.
Cameroon coached by Ahmed Mbombo Njoya hit the ground running with a scintillating display, extending an 8-0 run in the opening stages of the game. The host scored their first point halfway into the first quarter as Cameroon widened the gap closing the first quarter with a 17-6 domination. In the stands were some members of DR Congo's golden generations of 1983, 1986, and 1994 who were instrumental in winning three AfroBasket titles and projecting DR Congo to continental prominence.
Their presence wasn't enough to spark a revival from the home team, as Cameroon with a more prolific offense eased to a 26-20 lead, closing the first half with a 43-26 edge. The third quarter closed with Cameroon controlling the game with a 12-3 point streak. The fourth quarter was a true display of basketball wizardry as DR Congo came strong, scoring 20 points and restricting the opponent Cameroon to just 20 points.
Cameroon could count on forward Dulcie Fankam who scored a game-best 16 points, while Hermine Ngueko and Suzanne Eben on 11 points each as well as Monique Akoa with 10 points hit double digits. The team's athleticism was evident with 24 points scored from fast breaks, while the Cameroon bench came in strong with 36 points.
DR Congo's solace came from the bench, with Divine Pembe converting five of seven shots beyond the arc to contribute an incredible 15 points.
Despite Cameroon winning the game 75-49, DR Congo's coach Bellarmin Tshibangu will rather retain the positives, hoping that his side will play more exciting basketball when they clash with Cameroon on Wednesday in Game two of the Zone 4 qualifiers for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025.
A win for Cameroon will confirm their spot at the continental jamboree for the 15th time, while DR Congo will need a massive upset to return to the Women's AfroBasket after finishing 12th last year in Rwanda.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
