There was no need for all the Olympic vice-champions to shine and easily win in Caen against Israel. France has already been deprived due to injuries of Carla Leite, Iliana Rupert and Marine Johannes, the regional player of the stage who played for a long time in Mondeville, less than 10km from the Caen sports center.
After inaugurating a fresco with her image in Argentan (Orne) during the day, the tricolor, who now plays in Türkiye, still came to encourage her friends in the front row. Jean-Aimé Toupane also rested Dominique Malonga for the occasion, the first French woman to have slammed a dunk in a match. ” Everything is fine. We were keen to come back in front of the French public with a good victory and we did the job,” rejoices new captain Valériane Ayayi.
That didn't stop the summer heroines from enjoying a quiet evening. The selection of Israel, its opponent for the evening, is only 47th in the world rankings when France is on the podium behind the United States and Australia. However, there was something at stake in this part: a place for the next Euro which will take place in June 2025. France is not there yet but almost. And there is nothing surprising as its qualifying group is easy between Israel, Ireland and Latvia.
By beating the Israelis after Ireland and Latvia last season, the Blues only need one victory to secure their ticket. They win the return match against Latvia on Sunday in Riga and it will be in their pocket or almost. “It’s a very nice evening with the desire and the will for a victory which brings us closer to the Euro. I saw a team that wants to work together and that’s gratifying,” says coach Jean-Aimé Toupane.
Winner of the Alain-Gilles trophy rewarding the best French basketball player of the year – men and women alike – ahead of Yabusele and Lessort, Gabby Williams led the Bleues to an easy victory. “We are at a time when women's basketball has a lot of visibility and I am happy to have won this trophy. It’s thanks to everything we did this summer, the players and the staff. Everyone is proud of this team,” admits Williams.
At the break, there was already no longer the shadow of a little suspense. France led by 23 points, almost single to double (47-24). The Blues managed without forcing and rotating the squad to win largely against opponents who ended up giving up (94-52). Another effort in Latvia on Sunday and it will be time to think about the Euro (June 18 to 29), a tournament that the Blues have not won for 14 years. One year after the Games, they will clearly be the favorites.
