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16 July, 2014
03 October, 2015
8 Sara MASOUD (Egypt)
29/09/2015
News
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Egypt making history at AfroBasket Women 2015

YAOUNDE (AfroBasket Women 2015) - Whatever the final outcome ends up being for Egypt at AfroBasket Women 2015, the youngest team in the tournament with an average age of 20, will enter the history books as the minnows who managed to defeat a giant.

Back in 2013 when the Egyptians made their return in the tournament after more than a decade-long absence, they finished with a 2-6 record.

Meanwhile, Angola arrived in Yaounde, Cameroon, having won their last 15 games in the competition.

However, the differential record has not prevented Egypt from stunning reigning champions Angola in Group B.

The Angolans struggled with Egypt's quick pace as well as tenacity to fight for every ball possession.

Egypt, along with Mali, have dominated Africa youth competition in recent years.

And, beating Angola only surprised those who haven't followed the rebuilding programme of women's basketball in the North Africa country.

Ten of 12 players in the current team have featured in recent editions of FIBA's U19's Women's World Championships. As Soraia Deghady, the team's exhilarating point guard who has delighted fans with her no-look passes, said: "Playing on a world stage has definitely built the confidence of most our players.

"We did not expect this, but the win increases our motivation to keep going in the tournament," said Sara Masoud.

"Our coach told us to keep fighting, play defense and never to give up."

Deghady went on: "Let's focus on Senegal, and keep the same minder.

"Now that we know we can big African teams, let's see if we can make it to the semis."

As of Tuesday 29 September, Egypt, who entered the tournament after receiving a wild card invitation, held an impressive 3-1 in Group B

FIBA