Suspense, surprises, comeback - How Day 2 of the Women's AfroBasket unfolded

 

KIGALI (Rwanda) - There was a bit of everything on Day 2 of the ongoing FIBA Women's AfroBasket holding in Kigali.

From a shocking result, a commanding bounce back, the Kigali showdown promises to become a shown like no other.

Here's a look back at what happened on Saturday.

GROUP A: Cote d'Ivoire beat Angola to move to 1-1

The last time Angola and Cote d'Ivoire met in Yaounde two years ago, the latter prevailed. 

And, on Saturday they upset Angola again.

Cote d'Ivoire lost to hosts Rwanda in their first match on Friday, but they beat Angola 72-69.

The Elephants started off well (21-13), but saw Angola come back to within five points at half-time (42-37) at the end of a second quarter won by the Southern African team.

Djefarima Diawara

But they regained the lead at the end of the third period, when they built up an 11-point advantage.

However, Angola tried to get back into the game in the final period. They outclassed the Ivorians 19-11, though it wasn't enough, however, as Côte d'Ivoire had taken an option on the match.

Djefarima Diawara finished with a game-high 17 points, 3 rebounds and 4 steals to help the Elephants to their first win in Kigali.

Cote d'Ivoire are now back in the competition and will have to wait for the match between Angola and Rwanda to find out their final ranking in Group A.

GROUP B: Mozambique redeem themselves

Less than 24 hours after losing to Cameroon, Mozambique redeemed themselves in style against Guinea, winning 99-40.

Leia Dongue led the way, finishing with 25 points, 5 rebounds; Ingvild Mucauro added 13 points, Chanaya Pinto contributed 13 points, Nilza Chizane came up with 11 points and 11 rebounds and Tamara Seda recorded her firs double of 10 points, 12 rebounds.

Leia Dongue

The win puts Mozambique in a rather comfortable position ahead of the clash between Cameroon and Guinea, which will decide who finishes top of Group B.

GROUP D: Egypt outlast DR Congo

Nadir Mohamed

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were desperate to make amends for their opening day defeat at the hands of the defending champions. Egypt, meanwhile, were not to be denied their opening game.

Led by Nadine Mohamed  who recorded her national team career-high 34 points - Egypt edged out DR Congo 89-78.

Meral Abdelgawad added 16 points and 5 rebounds) and Raneem Elgadawy - who won the MVP award during Zone 5 Qualifiers in Kampala in March -  contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds for the Egyptians who didn't give the DRC too much room to manoeuvre in what was an exciting match.

After a 23-12 first-quarter lead for the North Africans, it was the Congolese who took control of the game, leading 20-15 just before half-time. However, Egypt led by six points at 38-32.

The situation changed in the third quarter when the Central Africans went on a 29-23 run to draw level with Egypt (61-61). But the Egyptians surprised them with an 89-78 victory, despite their best efforts.

It was the second defeat for the DRC and they will have to rely on the play-offs if they want to qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2023 Women's AfroBasket.

In last game of the day, Senegal, the continent's most successful team with 11 trophies to their name, lost 83-85 to Uganda.

The victory was as historic as it was prestigious for the Gazelles, who claimed an excellent start to the competition. The defeat has left Senegal cautious ahead of their next game against Mali on Sunday 30 July.

FIBA