KIGALI (Rwanda) – On Game Day 3 of the 2025 FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket, Kenya came as a surprise.
In their debut at FIBA Africa’s premier championship for young girls, the East African nation proved too much for Morocco.
In Thursday's second game, Egypt had an easy win against debutants Cameroon.
Here’s how Day 3 unfolded in Kigali.
Successful debut for Kenya
Kenya, making their first-ever appearance at the FIBA U16 Women’s AfroBasket, enjoyed a successful debut against a more experienced Moroccan side.
It wasn’t until the final minutes, however, that the Lionesses broke free, putting together an 8-2 run to secure a 55-49 victory.
From tip-off, the game remained tight although Morocco led 31-29 at the break.
Coming out of the break, Morocco kept their foot on the gas and stretched their advantage. They built the first significant lead of the night, going up by six and later by eight points.
With five minutes remaining, the scoreboard read 47-47. That’s when Kenya shifted gears on defense, blocking three shots in quick succession.
Esther Butali’s team then carried that intensity to the other end, executing a decisive 8-2 spurt that turned the tide and sealed a memorable 55-49 triumph.
“At times, it was very difficult for us,” admitted head coach Esther Butali. “But we managed to stay composed on both ends to hold off Morocco. We were also efficient in transition. Defense has always been a big part of our identity, even if we made mistakes along the way.”
Kenya’s captain Trixi Akiny Ochieng and center Rihanna Mercy Nyalando, who each logged 36 minutes, led the Lionesses. Ochieng recorded a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Nyalando dominated inside with 19 points and 12 boards.
On the Moroccan side, captain Lamia Aya H’saina also delivered a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds), but her effort only kept her team’s hopes alive temporarily, as Kenya ultimately had the last word.
Egypt in full control against Cameroon
Runners-up at the 2023 FIBA U16 Women’s AfroBasket, Egypt lived up to their billing as favorites, powering past Cameroon 73-38.
Guided by Zeina Amin, the Pharaohs needed until the latter stages of the second quarter to fully take charge and build a decisive lead.
“This is the first international appearance for most of these girls. That explains why they looked so tense early on,” explained Egypt head coach Mohamed Abdelrahman.
Amin echoed her coach’s words after leading her side with 12 points and 8 rebounds. “During the first quarter, I struggled a bit to adapt to the atmosphere. The coach kept encouraging us, telling us we could do better. That’s what gave us the motivation,” she said.
Cameroon managed to stay in the game for much of the first half and even led by three points (21-18) midway through the second period. But Egypt responded with a 14-4 run to seize momentum. From there, the North Africans tightened their grip, maintaining pressure through the third and fourth quarters before closing on a commanding 13-2 stretch.
Egypt will next face Kenya. “Kenya is a good team,” Amin pointed out. “But we’ll see how to play them, stick to the coach’s instructions, and do everything to get the win.”
FIBA