Basketball in Africa

Rwanda 66-82 Egypt (men)
Rwanda 66-49 Burundi (Women)
Kenya 80-54 Ethiopia (Men)
Today
Burundi v Kenya (Women) 14:00
Egypt v Burundi (Men) 16:00
Ethiopia v Rwanda (Men) 18:00

It was a mixed fortune for Rwanda as the All Africa Games qualifiers/Zone V Basketball Championships started at Amahoro Petit stade, Kigali at the weekend.
The men’s national team lost 66-82 to the competition’s favourites, Egypt on Saturday, before the women restored the country’s pride and hopes of qualifying, with a 66-49 win over Burundi yesterday.
The week-long competition that has attracted only five countries, out of the expected 10, will have the champions of each of the men and women category qualify for the July’s All Africa Games’ event to be hosted in Algiers, Algeria.
Rwanda’s post player Francine Karigiho was instrumental in restoring a smile on the local fans’ faces, topping the scoring chart with 14 points; one over Claudette Mugwaneza who picked a handy 13 to seal the side’s vital victory.
Despite the win, the national women’s coach Cliff Owuor still believes that the side was not at its best.
“It’s good that we won but we should have done it more convincingly. We were not in position to pass the ball right and were weak at converting baskets. We have to rectify this in time for the Kenyan game,” he said.
The Rwandan women meet Kenya tomorrow in a tie expected to be crucial, as it determines the category’s silverware.
Kenya will march into the game as favourites following their vast experience at the sport on the continent.
Action in the men’s category continues today with two games on the card. Egypt opens the day against Burundi, before Rwanda summing up the business with Ethiopia.
The Egyptian side that capitalised on its immense experience to take a nine-point first quarter lead against Rwanda on Saturday might still exploit the same against Burundi today.
The first quarter of the Saturday game produced low scores as it ended 17-8 in favour of the Pharaohs. Both sides exhibited more aggression after recess but still Egypt was the better side, thanks to their influential guard Ahmed Monir who converted 14 points. The third and fourth quarters seemed even but Egypt again capitalised to their shooting to successfully register their first victory.
Rwanda’s three-point weapon Hamza Ruhezamihigo, who is based in Canada, was the outstanding player as he continuously narrowed the day’s margin. Ruhezamihigo top scored with 15 points.
The Egyptian coach Adel-Abdel-Fatah commended the Rwandan team for putting up a spirited fight, saying the country was destined for a brighter future at the sport.
“We were playing them (Rwanda) for the first time but they held their nerves and put up a spirited fight. The umpires were also outstanding. They controlled the game without being influenced by the home crowd which was very professional,” said Fatah.
Despite the loss, with a 16-point difference, the Rwandan coach Jean de Dieu Nizeyimana was happy with his team’s performance, saying the result was encouraging.
“The score has instilled morale and confidence in my players. We don’t intend to lose any more points. We are certain that the next time we meet Egypt, today’s gap will be bridged,’ he said.
The tournament will be played on a round-robin basis after Uganda’s last minute exit from the competition, left only five teams. The Ugandans cited lack of funds for their withdrawal.
Uganda is bound to face a (International Basketball Federation) Fiba penalty following her exit according to a Ferwaba sources that preferred anonymity.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA