KIBAHA (Tanzania) - The opening day of the 2026 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Qualifiers certainly didn't lack drama, with the hosts performing an incredible comeback.
Here's an overview of how the first two Group A games of the 2026 WBLA Qualifiers played out at the Filbert Bayi Olympafrica Centre in Kibaha.
Traylor and Washington were too much for KPA
Kayana Traylor is widely recognized for her excellent three-point shooting, and she showcased her skills in the opening game of the 2026 WBLA Qualifiers.
The American shooting guard had a stellar performance, converting seven of her 16 three-pointers and inspiring REG to a 95-79 victory over KPA. She finished with a game-high 37 points.
Although the Rwandan team trailed by 15 points, Traylor and her REG teammates saved their best for the last quarter, outscoring the Kenyan team 35-12 and completing their comeback.
Joining Traylor in the REG offense was Delicia Washington, a player from South Sudan, who contributed 29 points on 11-for-20 shooting.
Tonie Morgan, a 2026 WBLA second-round pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, did everything she could, finishing with 13 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds. However, stopping Traylor and Washington proved too much for KPA.
Fox Divas protect home court
The Foxes Basketball Club (Fox Divas) knew that, as the first Tanzanian team to take to the court on the opening day of the 2026 WBLA Qualifiers, they couldn't disappoint their fans.
Their opponents were a familiar foe: Burundi's Dynamo.
It was a closely contested match that could have gone either way, but the Divas lived up to expectations, winning 65–60.
Ugandan Evelyne Nakiyingi was the star of the show for the Divas, leading them with 16 points. She shot 4-for-5 from behind the arc.
Jescal Julius Ngisaise and Hope Akelo added 13 and 12 points respectively.
Next up!
Group A resumes on Monday, with KPA taking on Dynamo, followed by REG versus Fox Divas.
FIBA