CONAKRY (Guinea) - Guinea has competed in ten Women's AfroBasket tournaments, including four of the last five editions. However, none of these appearances have matched the success of their inaugural tournament in 1966, when they won the silver medal in a four-team tournament that they hosted.
As they prepare for their 11th appearance in the women's tournament, which is scheduled from Saturday, July 26, to Monday, August 3, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea may not be the favorites, but they are encouraged by their quarterfinals berth in Kigali in 2023. They last reached the Last Eight in 1994.
In Kigali, Guinea lost to Mozambique 99-40 and to Cameroon 80-50, finishing last in Group B. Going into the Round of 16 as underdogs against the heavily favored Angola team, Guinea stunned the two-time champions 71-69 to advance to the quarterfinals.
In her second Women’s AfroBasket assignment, power forward Masseny Kaba was the tormentor-in-chief against Angola. She recorded a double-double with 26 points and 14 rebounds, and Guinea rallied for a 26-16 final quarter to claim the hard-fought victory.
Since 2023, the American-Guinean has been a mainstay for Angers in French Division One. Her performance in 2023 was a significant improvement from her debut in 2021.
As her experience sets her apart, she is expected to provide leadership as well as points on the court.
Other players expected to provide stability are Aicha Mara, who averaged 11 points per game in 2021 and 5.7 in 2023, as well as Fanta Soumah, Fatoumata Jallow, and Fatou Bah. Fanta Soumah, Fatoumata Jallow, and Fatou Bah also contribute to the team's depth.
The Guineans will face a tough test as they are the first team to arrive in Abidjan for the showcase. They will compete against the record champions and reigning silver medalists, Senegal, as well as the Zone Five champions, Uganda.
FIBA