YAOUNDE (Cameroon) – On a night when fears were high that Cameroon’s rejuvenated side wouldn’t be up to the task against a dreaded Democratic Republic of Congo team, the “Lionesses” of Cameroon rose up to the occasion, silencing doubters and humbling Congo.

The hosts hit the court with great determination clinching the first quarter 25-9, dominating the second 21-5, fending off a comeback from Congo in the second half to win the third quarter 20-15 before wrapping up the game with a 25-17 lead to confirm a 91-46 victory.

Cameroon’s Power forward Monique Ngo Ndjock led the home side’s offensive, churning in a team high 14 points and 12 rebounds while captain Marie Ange Mfoula hit in 13 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Baleta Mukoko, Carole Nyinkeu and Julienne Ongbagnamen all contributed 10 points or more.

Though the DR Congo had a night to forget, Point guard Marlene Ngobeleza Matokio was in scintillating fettle netting in a game-high 25 points – more than 50 percent of her team’s tally adding 4 rebounds and an assist.

Courtesy of Saturday’s win, Cameroon heighten their chances of locking down a spot for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2019 but head coach Guy Moudio told FIBA.basketball that he expected his team to set up better and knows that the Game 2 billed for Sunday will come with great challenges.

"I’m glad with the victory. This is a young team and most of these girls haven’t played together. We trained as a team for just three days so to come in and get the win is a good thing for the team moral.”

“I think we could’ve played better. We didn’t execute the game plan properly and at some point it felt like the players were tired. We’re known for being spontaneous and playing high tempo but it wasn’t the case today. I have to watch the game again and spot out our weaknesses because Sunday’s game wouldn’t be an easy one.”

DR Congo’s captain Natacha Mambengya believes they were unlucky during the first half.

"We were absent during the first two quarters and Cameroon made the best out of it. They’re playing on home court so obviously they have a psychological edge. We tried to get back into the game in the second half but the damage was already done."

“In basketball, anything can happen. Obviously tomorrow’s game wouldn’t be the same and we’ll come in with a great zeal to achieve a win and qualify for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket.”

The second leg comes up this Sunday May 5 at the Yaoundé Sports Complex.

FIBA