Morocco were off to a perfect start as they cruised to a 75-56 over debutant Zambia in an action-packed game. Though faced at times by a very combative Zambia, the North Africans made their intentions clear as they paved their way to victory.
Last Updated on
September 4, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
Day 2 of the FIBA Women's U18 AfroBasket saw a showdown between two nations making their first appearance at the competition. On one side, Morocco, winners of the Zone 1 Qualifiers. On the other, Zambia, runners-up in the Zone VI Qualifiers.
It was an opening match that neither side wanted to miss under any circumstances, or risk jeopardizing their chances of progress into the next round.
Zambia were expected to be the victims, but that was not to be. In fact, they put up a very stiff resistance early on. When Eiza Louveton opened the scoring after just a few seconds, the Zambians replied through Taonga Shanzi.
At 2-2, the two teams remained level for more than three minutes, until Lina Masrour gave the Moroccans the lead (4-2).
Cholwe Simubali pulled Zambia level at 4-3, before Sepho Phiri put her side two points ahead following a layup and a free throw. The lead was short-lived, however, as Louveton put the two teams back on level terms (6-6).
Midway through the first quarter, the two teams took turns taking control of the match, until the Zambians built up a three-point lead, which was quickly overtaken by the Moroccans, who closed out the first period 19-15.
Back for the second quarter, it was Zambia who took matters into their own hands. Simubali, Abigail Mwale and Katongo Chabela came to the fore and took the second quarter 14-12. But it was Morocco who led by two points at half-time (31-29).
The break did their spirits a world of good. But it was the North Africans who showed themselves to be the more realistic in this period. With their attack running at full speed, led by Louveton and Masrour, they passed 15 points to the Zambian defense, while the latter managed just six.
The beautiful Zambian edifice crumbled, while the Moroccans soared to victory. Coach Mulenga Mumba's charges made a last-ditch attempt in the final quarter, but at 29-21, the gap was too big to overcome.
For their first game in South Africa, Morocco won 75-56. The Moroccans were particularly prolific, with two players finishing with a double-double. First up was Eiza Louveton, with 21 points and 11 rebounds. She also had six steals and an assist.
Then came Lina Masrour, with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Inès Boulboul finished with 16 points.
On the Zambian side, Cholwe Simubali confirmed all the good things we thought of her with 22 points and 16 rebounds. Katongo Chabela contributed 9 points and 11 rebounds to the Zambian total, while Shella Mbulo scored 8 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. A fine effort, but one that proved insufficient.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
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