Your weekly dose of FIBA Africa Zone 4 News: Cameroon's U18 Men and Women's teams have upped the ante in their preparations for the upcoming FIBA U18 Afrobasket in South Africa and in the Central African Republic, plans are underway to stage the Bangui Women's Basketball tournament.
Last Updated on
August 26, 2024
Elango Mbotona
Staff Writer
Cameroon's women’s national team has qualified for its fifteenth AfroBasket after securing their place in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. The Indomitable Lionesses overpowered DR Congo in two games to secure their spot for next year's continental flagship tournament.
The games played on DR Congo's home court, saw Cameroon asserting its dominance early on. The team displayed an aggressive defense and fluid offensive play, which left their opponents struggling to keep up. Cameroon’s defense was particularly noteworthy, as they managed to limit DR Congo to just 49 points. The game ended with a commanding 75-49 victory, setting the tone for the second match.
In the second fixture, the Cameroonian team continued their strong form, with the Lionesses banking on their athletic edge and tactical awareness to control the pace of the game. A solid team effort allowed Cameroon to secure a 67-50 win, cementing their qualification for the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket.
Cameroon’s qualification campaign was highlighted by stellar performances from several key players like former Seatle Storms center Fankam Dulcy, Hermine Ngueko and Monique Makani. They led by example, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively. Coach Ahmed Mbombo Njoya's tactical approach was also pivotal, with effective adjustments made between the two games to counter DR Congo's strategies.
With this qualification, Cameroon joins other top African nations in the prestigious tournament, aiming to compete for the continental title in 2025. This reflects the growing strength of women's basketball in Cameroon and the potential for the team to make a deep run in the upcoming AfroBasket tournament.
The Cameroon U18 men's and women's national basketball teams have arrived in Pretoria, South Africa, to begin preparations for the highly anticipated U18 AfroBasket 2024 tournament. The championship is set to take place from September 1-14, 2024, in Pretoria, bringing together some of the most talented young basketball players from across the African continent.
The arrival of the Cameroonian squads in Pretoria marks the start of an intensive training camp, designed to sharpen their skills and enhance team cohesion ahead of the tournament. Both teams, consisting of the top young talents from Cameroon, are determined to make a strong impression in the upcoming AfroBasket competition.
The Coaches and technical staff have outlined a rigorous schedule that includes daily training sessions and practice games. The focus is on building a very competitive team that excels in both offense and defense, with a particular emphasis on physical fitness, tactical awareness, and teamwork. The teams will also engage in friendly matches with local South African clubs to acclimate to the playing conditions and further refine their strategies.
Cameroon’s U18 teams have high hopes for the AfroBasket tournament. Both teams are looking to build on the success of their senior counterparts and demonstrate the depth of talent in Cameroonian basketball. The men’s team, in particular, is eager to showcase their performances and aims to secure a spot for the U19 World Cup. The women's team is focused on showcasing their growth and potential on a larger stage. Drawn in the group of death Cameroon men's U18 team shares the same group alongside Mali, Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal. They will have to count on their strenght and eliminate their weaknesses to take on very experienced programs like Mali and Senegal. For the U18 women, they are lodged in the same group with host South Africa, Tunisia and Rwanda.
The participation of the U18 teams in this prestigious tournament also aligns with the broader goals of the Cameroon Basketball Federation to nurture and develop young talent. By providing these young athletes with international exposure and high-level competition, the Federation is investing in the future of Cameroonian basketball.
In a significant effort to promote women's basketball in Central African Republic, the country's Basketball Federation, in collaboration with the France-based Nantes Association, is set to organize the Bangui Women's Basketball Tournament. The tournament is scheduled for August 29, 2024, in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic.
The upcoming Bangui Women's Basketball Tournament represents a critical step towards nurturing and promoting women's basketball in Central Africa. The initiative aims to provide a platform for female basketball players in the region to showcase their talent, gain exposure, and compete at a higher level. This collaboration with the Nantes Association highlights the growing interest in women's sports globally and the importance of international partnerships in fostering athletic development. The Bangui Women’s Basketball Tournament is expected to attract teams from across Central Africa Republic, bringing together a diverse range of talent. The tournament will serve not only as a competitive sporting event but also as a significant opportunity for players to learn, improve, and potentially catch the eye of scouts and coaches from other regions.
The Central African Basketball Federation and the Nantes Association have expressed their commitment to ensuring that the tournament is well-organized and competitive. The event will feature a series of games leading up to a final match, with the winning team being awarded a significant trophy. This event is expected to provide local players with a unique opportunity to compete against their peers and gain valuable experience.
Furthermore, the Central African Basketball Federation hopes the tournament will become an annual event, drawing more attention and participation from regional and international teams in the future. The success of this tournament could set a precedent for similar initiatives, fostering a stronger basketball culture and providing more opportunities for women in sports.
[Photography Courtesy of FecaBasket,FIBA]
