KINSHASA (DR Congo) – Neither Cameroon’s FAP nor hosts CNSS could have hoped for a better start to their WBLA qualifying journey.
Both teams secured impressive victories, establishing themselves as strong contenders for a place in the 2025 competition in Cairo later this year.
FAP Women brushed aside ASB Makomeno 70–49, while CNSS delighted their home crowd with a 78–59 triumph against Overdose Up Station.
Emédie powers FAP past ASB Makomeno
FAP got their campaign off to a flying start, with Damaris Emédie leading the way with a dominant performance. Her double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds set the tone for a commanding 70-49 victory.
At 6'3", the Cameroonian center was unstoppable inside the paint, controlling the boards and finishing with composure around the rim. Her presence at both ends of the court was pivotal in a game that the Central Africans managed with maturity after a brief, shaky start.
Chinelo Lucy Ibeh also performed well, scoring 13 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, while Deljah Monique Blanks contributed 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Together, they provided the offensive consistency that FAP needed to wear down their opponents.
ASB Makomeno had opened the game on a brighter note, taking a 13–8 lead at the end of the first quarter thanks to their intensity and solid ball movement. However, the tide soon turned when FAP found their rhythm.
A second-quarter surge, which FAP won 21–10, completely flipped the script, with Makomeno struggling to keep up with the Cameroonian pace and defensive pressure.
The same pattern continued after the break. FAP extended their lead with a 26-15 third-quarter run, combining solid defence with quick transition plays. Although Makomeno managed to outscore them 15–11 in the final quarter, it was too little, too late.
By the final buzzer, FAP had secured a comfortable 21-point victory, demonstrating poise and teamwork. Their next challenge will be against the in-form CNSS, in a game that could have major implications for qualification.
CNSS make a statement against Overdose Up Station
CNSS, the hosts, produced a powerful performance to begin their campaign, outclassing Cameroon’s Overdose Up Station 78–59 in a game that showcased their offensive depth.
Currently ranked seventh in the 2024 WBLA, CNSS are determined to build on this success. They got off to a flying start, setting the tone early with two dominant quarters, 26–11 and 20–14, to establish a commanding 46–25 lead by halftime.
However, Overdose Up Station showed character in the third quarter. They limited CNSS to just four points while scoring 19 themselves, cutting what had seemed an insurmountable lead down to just six points.
The home side momentarily lost control, but quickly regrouped before they could lose their lead.
The Congolese reasserted themselves in the fourth quarter, displaying renewed energy. They dominated the final period, winning it 28-15 and securing a resounding victory that left their fans with plenty to cheer about.
Marlène Ngobeleza spearheaded the CNSS offence with 21 points, including three long-range shots, while Gracia Nguz contributed 11 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. Noemie Ayenga came off the bench to add 11 points and 8 rebounds.
Point guard Ketia Mbelu deserves a special mention for her leadership on the court.
She finished with nine points, making all five of her free throws, and dished out 11 assists, dictating the pace of the game and keeping her teammates engaged offensively.
Overdose Up Station put in some strong individual performances, but lacked the collective spark needed to overturn the deficit.
Audrey Batchaya recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Sema Ekah and Myriam Guiolobo contributed 17 and 12 points respectively.
Despite these contributions, the Cameroonian team struggled to maintain consistency throughout the game.
Following this defeat, Overdose Up Station now find themselves in a must-win situation ahead of their clash with ASB Makomeno, which could be pivotal for both teams' hopes of qualifying.
FIBA