Basketball in Africa

WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE 2008
15:00 hrs Zimbabwe(51), (47)Angola (girls) game 1
Zimbabwe’s Talent Samu shone like a beacon as she tore apart the Angolan defence with her penetration and fast break to score 14 points. It was her control and aggression, with point guard Yolanda Matayataya in foul trouble and Rachel Makoni on the sidelines that guided Zimbabwe out of murky waters. Match Commissioner proved unpopular when he barred Rachel Makoni from playing in the 1st quarter and only intervention from FIBA allowed her to play and she calmly dropped 17 points on the luckless Angolans. The Girls High School & ex-Cameo teammates combined with another GHS & ex-Cameo Dorcas Marondera for a memorable victory. Pistons Yolanda Matayataya & ex-Cameo Precious Pezane chipped in with some strong play down the stretch. The teams meet again today for a game 2. The taller Angolans will be looking for revenge. But they have been beaten and Zimbabwe’s coach Ngoni Mukukula has a game plan.

17:00 hrs Zimbabwe(82), (104) Mozambique (boys) game 1
The taller and more athletic Mozambicans overcame a battling Zimbabwe team. In the first half teams traded baskets but foul trouble and more experience took over down the stretch. Zimbabwe coach Kizito Mudzviti will need to make defensive adjustments for game 2 which is to be played on Friday.