Damaris Emedie powered debutant Cameroon to their first-ever win at the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket in Pretoria, as she finished with a game-high 21 points and 17 rebounds as the Central African nation claimed a 79-46 over Rwanda.
Last Updated on
September 9, 2024
Cameroon and Rwanda shared more than just space on the court, as they battled in Group A. They both won against hosts South Africa, and they both lost to Tunisia. With each side presenting a 1-1 run, the stakes were higher than they appeared to be.
But losing to Rwanda was no option for Cameroon as they took control of the game early on. When Brigitte Nibishaka opened the score for Rwanda (4-0), the East African players did not expect to see Cameroon fight back so soon and take over the game.
Alexandra Djonkou first reduced the gap to 2 points, before Kelya Kipo levelled up both teams (4-4), and then gave Cameroon the advantage (6-4).
The teams traded blows, drawing to 8-8, before Ange Madjou and Kipo once again powered her side to control (11-8). Damaris Emedie made sure they kept their momentum (13-10, then 17-14), and from then on, Cameroon never looked back.
The second quarter was more prolific in terms of scoring as Cameroon cruised to a 25-11 run, annihilating any ambition Rwanda might have had at this point. Emedie, Kipo and Madjou kept the run going, though Rwanda timidly tried to shake their confidence off, without any probing results.
The third quarter was but a mere repeat of the first two ones, with Cameroon had a 18-13. By then, the Central African nation had a 22-point advantage, and they would keep going.
In the final stanza, Cameroon produced 19 points, while Rwanda only managed 8, sealing the Young Lionesses’ win and granting them one of the two tickets at stake in Group A.
For their first appearance, they made it past through the Group stage and will feature in the final eight. Damaris Emedie contributed to her side’s victory and qualification with 21 points and17 rebounds, while Keyla Kipo accounted for 20 points and 7 points.
Brigitte Nibishakashone kept Rwanda afloat with 17 points and 8 rebounds. This effort was to no avail, as the East Africans registered their second loss of the tournament.
Now that they have broken the glass ceiling, Cameroon will look forward for going as far as they can.
“It was a good day for us. We played as a team and were able to run our plays as planned. We remained focused, trusted each other more on the court and we managed to win. We will carry this to the quarters as we hope to stay in contention," Cameroon guard Kelya Kipo said after the match.
As for Rwanda, they can only hope to be the best third-placed team to make it through to the Quarter-Finals.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
