Game Day One Wrap-Up: FIBA Africa Zone 5 U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers

Game Day One Wrap-Up: FIBA Africa Zone 5 U-18 AfroBasket Qualifiers

Battle Lines Drawn as Zone 5 U18 Qualifiers Begin

The FIBA Africa Zone 5 U-18 AfroBasket Qualifiers, the highly anticipated event in the basketball calendar, have commenced at the prestigious Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala, Uganda. This championship, spanning six intense days, offers a golden opportunity for teams from four nations-Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania-to secure a spot in the continental U-18 championship. The stakes are high, with only two coveted spots, one for each gender, up for grabs.

The winners in each category will secure their golden tickets to the continental U-18 championship scheduled for August. On the thrilling opening day, the girls' competition witnessed a gripping match between Kenya and Tanzania. Kenya emerged triumphant with a 57-47 win, led by the stellar performance of Roseline Akinyi, who recorded a double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks.

"It was a tough battle and we had to struggle to get this win. While we are happy we are hoping to play better and win the remaining matches so we can qualify," Kenya's Mariam Buiri said after the opening match.

Her Tanzanian counterpart Elizabeth Singoi said it was not their lucky day on the court calling on her teammates not to give up and play better in the next game.

"We have to improve our defence and also press the opponent on attack," she later stated.

In another girls' game, Uganda overcame a first-quarter deficit, trailing Rwanda 14-11, to dominate the game with a final score of 78-40. Teenage sensation Resty Nanangwr showcased her talent by scoring 22 points and narrowly missing a double-double with nine rebounds.

"It is all about hard work. We are happy for the win and are confident that this is our time. We want to win all the matches," Uganda's Rusty Nanangwe said.

Rwanda commenced their campaign in the boys' category with an emphatic 81-40 victory over Kenya. Dylan Kayijuka spearheaded Rwanda's offensive onslaught, contributing an impressive 20 points to secure the win.

Uganda's Junior Silverbacks recorded the day's most significant triumph, defeating Tanzania 103-52. Brighton Galowango delivered an outstanding performance for the home team, achieving a double-double with 23 points and ten rebounds, adding five assists to his brilliant display.

"We are just getting started, " a super pumped Brighton said after his performance. "We are not losing any match. The team is energetic and we are ready to go."