Game Report: Egypt faced a crushing 98-52 defeat against France. Despite Khadiga Abouelghait's 14 points, Egypt struggled against the second-ranked team, highlighting the disparity in quality. France's dominance was clear, with solid performances from their starting five and bench, outmatching Egypt.
Last Updated on
July 16, 2024
Kendi Mwiti
Staff Writer
At the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024, Egypt suffered a crushing 98-52 defeat to France on Game Day 2. Despite a valiant effort, the North Africans had no answer for the second-ranked team in the world.
Egypt's standout player, Khadiga Abouelghait, led her team with 14 points. However, the performance of Emadeldin Mahmoud's squad highlighted the stark difference in quality between the two teams. Coming off a 72-44 victory against debutants Chinese Taipei, France was the clear favourites and quickly established their dominance with a 21-12 lead in the opening quarter.
Coach Arnaud Guppillotte's team had a slow start, trailing 5-1 early in the quarter. Ainhoa Risacher's back-to-back baskets brought France within a point, and Justine Loubens tied the game at 7 with a two-point hook shot. Alicia Tournebize then came off the bench to give France the lead, and from there, the game was out of reach for Egypt.
In the second quarter, Egypt improved defensively and scored 17 points, but France still outscored them with 25 points, taking a 17-point lead into halftime. France's starting five excelled, but their bench was exceptional, contributing 45 points.
After halftime, France responded to Egypt's second-quarter performance with a dominant display, outscoring them 30-11 in the third quarter and 22-12 in the final period. Egypt struggled with shooting, hitting only 29.3% from the field and 55.6% from the free-throw line.
Abouelghait, playing for Gezira Sporting Club, was Egypt's sole player to reach double digits with 14 points, adding three rebounds and an assist. In contrast, five French players scored in double digits, with 16-year-old Talia Kavoka leading with 17 points.
Egypt were outrebounded 50-43 and conceded 34 defensive rebounds. Their ball-handling was poor, allowing 21 steals to France's lockdown defence and committing an embarrassing 29 turnovers. France dominated every quarter, scoring 43 points off turnovers and 40 in the paint compared to Egypt's 18. The French bench's 45 points nearly matched Egypt's entire game total.
Egypt will have a rest day before facing debutants Chinese Taipei in their final Group D clash.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
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