KINSHASA (DR Congo) – The first two teams to secure their places in the 2025 Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Final Phase have been confirmed.
Cameroon’s Forces Armées et Police (FAP) and DR Congo’s CNSS took the top two spots in the Zone 4 Qualifiers, which ended on Tuesday in Kinshasa, DR Congo.
FAP had already taken a big step towards qualifying earlier in the tournament, concluded their campaign with a 68–59 victory over fellow Cameroonian team Overdose Up Station — their third consecutive win.
Meanwhile, CNSS finished the tournament with a 2–1 record, securing their place in the 2025 WBLA by defeating ASB Makomeno 77–58.
Here’s a look back at the final day of action in Kinshasa.
Akaraiwe, Mogoun carry FAP to WBLA
Double-digit performances from Nkem Akaraiwe, Raissa Mogoun and Chinelo Lucy Ibeh secured victory for FAP in an all-Cameroonian showdown.
Despite being taken aback by Overdose’s swift start, Ange Majolie Lonteu’s team displayed composure and determination to gain the upper hand.
Trailing 17–14 after the opening quarter, FAP reduced the deficit to a single point at halftime thanks to a well-managed second period (14–12).
It was in the third quarter that the game swung fully in their favour. FAP scored 23 points while holding Overdose Up Station to just 16, decisively turning the contest in their favour.
The final quarter was then a mere formality (17–14), as Overdose's late attempts to reverse the outcome fell short.
Mogoun led the charge with 20 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists. However, Akaraiwe was the standout performer, achieving a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists. Ibeh added 12 points and six rebounds to complete FAP’s balanced performance.
Larissa Mbong (18 points) and Susan Eben (12 points) fought hard for Overdose Up Station, but couldn’t prevent their team from ending the campaign with a 1–2 record.
CNSS overpower ASB Makomeno
CNSS secured their spot in the WBLA Final Phase by winning their second match in the Zone 4 Qualifiers. The Congolese champions proved their superiority by defeating ASB Makomeno 77-58.
The game featured only two lead changes, with Makomeno making the stronger start and leading 20–15 at the end of the first quarter. CNSS found their rhythm in the second quarter, however, taking control with a dominant 21–11 run to lead at halftime.
The third quarter proved disastrous for Makomeno, who were outscored 18–3, allowing CNSS to establish an 18-point lead.
Though Makomeno showed some fight in the final stretch (23–22), the damage had already been done.
CNSS could count on two players who finished with double-doubles. Djalinka Tounkara contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Rhema Kapinga Tshoto added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Both players earned spots among the top performers of the day.
Adding to Makomeno’s troubles, Marlène Ngobeleza tore through their defence, scoring 24 points in just over 31 minutes on the court.
Abigael Mbombo Kongolo and Rachel Ngona combined for 25 points, but this was not enough to make Makomeno competitive against the home favourites.
Having secured their places, both CNSS and FAP will now turn their attention to preparing for the next stage of the Women’s Basketball Africa League, where they will seek to better their 2024 performances.
FIBA