DAKAR (Senegal) – The last four teams are in the running for the title of champion of the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) 2024.
Ferroviario de Maputo, former African champion, Al Ahly Sporting, bronze medalist in 2019, ASC Ville de Dakar, host of the competition, and APR, which obtained a wild card and is participating in the championship for the second time , are still in the running.
Al Ahly SC faces the challenge of ASCVD
Egyptian champions Al Ahly Sporting Club admitted that the home fans surprised them when they faced ASC Ville de Dakar (ASCVD) in the group stage, a match they ultimately won 61-46 .
Facing Moustapha Gaye’s team, the Egyptians will have their work cut out for them in the Marius Ndiaye Arena, a 4,800-seat venue which was packed for the semi-final against Rwanda Energy Group (REG).
However, they have a shooting advantage and are led by Senegal’s Ndioma Kané and Madjiguene Sene, who dominated both ends of the court during the group stage, the former scoring 19 points and tying Seen with 14 rebounds. . In addition, Al Ahly SC will be able to count on Reem Moussa, who missed the first match due to injury.
“We are determined to be crowned champions and we arrived here ready to do so. We need to arrive with renewed energy and play defense, which will be the key in this match,” said Al Ahly player Nadine Mohamed.
The local team will rely on Malian Kamite Elisabeth Dabou and Foune Sissoko who put on a show against REG in the quarter-finals. Fatou Diagne, former Al Ahly SC player and 2023 champion with Alexandria Sporting Club, could be crucial if she is fit to play longer. Just like Fatou Pouye who was the best rebounder in the quarter-finals with 11.
The APR wants to continue its momentum against Maputo
Charles Mushumba’s APR took revenge on Friend’s Basketball Association (FBA) in the quarter-final to reach the semi-final. They have a chance to reach their first African podium with former champions Ferroviario de Maputo standing in their way.
The trio of Shaina Pellington, Italee Lucas and Kierstan Bell, as well as Kamba Yoro Diakite and captain Charlotte Umugwaneza led the way for the Rwandan team.
“We have to be aggressive because the teams here are playing hard. We have to stop their transition and play as a unit because the level of competition is only getting tougher,” said Umugwaneza, the APR captain.
However, against Ferroviario, coached by Nasir Salé, they face a team that has a deep bench that has distributed playing time almost evenly, with several players rising to the occasion in all four matches. contested so far, to remain undefeated.
The Mozambican team will be led by former African MVP Ingvild Mucauro, who will face her former teammate and MVP Lucas.
“APR is a good team with very talented players. Our game plan will have to be perfect because the competition is much tougher. We approached the quarter-finals keeping that in mind and resting all the players equally “It won’t be an easy match, but we will be ready to face whatever they try,” coach Salé told FIBA.basketball.
FIBA
