Cameroon run riot against host South Africa at U18 Women's AfroBasket

After a tough start to their AfroBasket campaign, Cameroon’s U18 Women’s team made an emphatic statement with a resounding 107-23 victory over host nation South Africa. This convincing win not only showcased Cameroon’s resilience but also their overwhelming skill and depth in the competition.

Kipo Gisel was nothing short of sensational, delivering an offensive masterclass that left the South African defense struggling for answers. She poured in 33 points, dominating from all areas of the court. Her scoring efficiency kept the momentum firmly in Cameroon’s favor throughout the game. Gisel was also active on the glass, grabbing 9 rebounds, further solidifying her presence as one of the standout performers.

While Gisel’s scoring was pivotal, Emedie Damaris played an equally crucial role in ensuring Cameroon’s dominance. Damaris was a force to reckon with in the paint, collecting an impressive 21 rebounds. She coupled her rebounding prowess with a solid offensive contribution, scoring 19 points, consistently punishing South Africa’s defense and sealing second-chance opportunities. Her ability to control the boards neutralized any offensive rhythm South Africa might have hoped to find.

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On the other hand, South Africa’s offense was stifled from the outset, managing just 23 points in the game. They struggled to click into gear, and Cameroon’s relentless defense made it difficult for the host to add more to their point tally. The inability to match Cameroon’s physicality and scoring power left South Africa with limited scoring options, allowing the Central Africans to build and sustain a commanding lead throughout the game.

Despite the win, Cameroon's coach Lonteu Majolie was not satisfied with the collective performance of the team.

The game quality of our girls was not what we were hoping for but they are adjusting as the competition goes on. I am happy for them but we will keep working harder.

The victory was a crucial one for Cameroon, who were clearly motivated to make a statement after their previous struggles in the tournament. Beyond the standout performances of Gisel and Damaris, the team executed its game plan to perfection, with solid contributions from both starters and the bench.

Cameroon’s comprehensive victory serves as a reminder of their potential to make a deep run in the AfroBasket tournament. If they can maintain this level of play, driven by their star performers and cohesive team defense, they will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with as the tournament progresses.

For South Africa, this defeat marks a tough learning experience, but the team will look to regroup and improve in their last group game. Despite two defeats, staging the tournament provides valuable exposure and experience for the young team moving forward.

Cameroon’s win, anchored by the exceptional performances of Kipo Gisel and Emedie Damaris, signals their intent to make a strong statement in the FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket, leaving the rest of the competition on notice.

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[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA,FecaBasket]

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