MAPUTO (Mozambique) - As soon as the final boozer sounded Hager Amer bursted into tears of joy after helping Sporting Alexandria do the crown of the 2022 FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women in Maputo, Mozambique, but the best was yet to come. 

The Alexandria-based side entered the history books thanks to the hard-fought 65-58 win over hosts Costa do Sol. 

Not a surprise for everything she did throughout the 8-day tournament, Amer was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

The Egyptian international player, who contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and a blocked shot in the Championship Game, was indeed a key factor for Sporting Alexandria's historic win. 

She was also fundamental in the Semi-Final's 100-82 over title contender Inter Club.  Amer hit a three-point shot that gave Sporting 28-22 in the opening quarter, and the Angolan champions were never able to recover after by eight. 

Amer highlighted the All-Tournament team alongside teammate Reem Mousa, Costa do Sol's duo of Ingvild Mucauro, Eleuteria Lhavanguane and Nigerian Ifunaya Okoro of Kenya Ports Authority.

Throughout Sporting Alexandria's six games, Amer, an 1.86m (6ft 1in) forward/center, averaged 15.3 points, 8.2 rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game.

"I am overwhelmed. It's a dream come true for myself and the team. We have worked hard to get here. We have reached our goal. I am truly thankful," she said in the aftermath of Sporting Alexandria's historic win.

The 29-year-old became a household name in Africa ever she helped Egypt to the second place of the 2009 FIBA Africa U16 Championship for Women held in Bamako, Mali. 

Two years later Amer left her mark on the world stage after averaging 19.2 points and 8.8 rebounds at the 2011 FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup in Chile. 

Her first Women's AfroBasket appearance came, coincidently, in Maputo in 2013, where she helped Egypt to an Eight-Place finish.

FIBA