Basketball in Africa

by Sande Bashaija
Lugogo

Results
Falcons 72-82 Sadolin Power
Riders 68-75 Ndejje
A-1 43-52 Lady Canons

One win separates Sadolin Power from the MTN-Fuba League men’s topflight championship after they held off battle-hardened Falcons 82-72 in game three of the best of five series Friday night at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

Power now lead the series 2-1 and can win their third championship with victory in game four on Tuesday. “It’s good we won but we must come out harder in the next game. We were a bit soft today and almost allowed them back into the game,” Power’s star point guard Ben Komakech, who scored 16 points, said.
The game, arguably the most exciting in the series yet, was always under Power’s control until the last two minutes when Falcons threatened to snatch victory.
Power finished the first quarter leading 23-14 and stretched it to 30-16 with five minutes played in the second session. But inspired by Sam Obol (24 points), Falcons crept back and reduced the deficit to only five points (39-34) at the breather.
However, Power’s deep bench was always going to come in handy. Indeed, they pulled away to end the third quarter in command 62-46.
Joseph Ikong, who scored 23 points, was at his best as Power continued to dominate the final period but Falcons battled back and were within four points of victory (70-74) inside the last one minute.
But Ken Balyejusa, the man that comes to life in the last quarter, saved the day with a three-point play on 36 seconds left, and Power had victory in the bag.
“They played better than us and showed more hunger for victory,” Falcons’ boss John Ssimbwa said. Isaac Afidra scored 16 points and Ken Balyejusa added 15, seven of them in the last session, for Power.
Henry Malinga grabbed 15, Isaac Lugudde 14 and Eric Malinga six as Falcons failed to reproduce the magic that saw them convincingly win game two 82-55.

Former women’s most valuable player Flavia Oketcho had a memorable night, garnering a game high 17 points enroute to helping UCU Lady Canons take a 2-1 series lead over A-1 Challenge.
Oketcho’s combination with Brenda Mbone proved too good for A-1 Challenge’s guards. The duo ran the lanes and fed their post players very well.
At some stage in the third quarter, Oketcho crossed over A-1 Challenge’s Kassim Hatima, the duo falling on her fours much to the amusement of the full capacity Lugogo crowd.
Frances Nabulobi, who is still in the hunt of a fourth straight top scorer’s accolade, added 13 points for Lady Canons while Kenyan Loraine Akinyi contributed eight.
Elizabeth Kizza was the only A-1 Challenge player in double figures with 14 points though she couldn’t save her team from the 52-43 defeat in game three.
Ndejje University also won game three 75-68 and are enjoying a 2-1 lead over Knight Riders in the men’s Second Division series.

Meanwhile, Warriors overcame their injury woes to beat UCU Canons 75-67 in the third place play-off on Wednesday. Warriors had blamed injuries for their 2-1 defeat to Falcons in the semifinal series .

By PHILIP ONYANGO

Desportivo from Mozambique successfully defended their Africa women’s club championship title when they defeated Angola’s Primero de Agosto 70-63 in a thrilling final at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday.

In what was a repeat of last year’s final in Maputo that saw Desportivo edge out Primero to wrest the trophy from the Angolans, the two teams knew each other very well and took too long to settle as fans who filled the gymnasium to capacity urged them on.
After a two-minute stalemate, Desportivo’s inspirational guard, Deolinda Ngulela drew the first blood when she penetrated the Primero defence for a simple lay-up.
Milcenete Nasicella, who has had a great championship, replied with a three pointer for the Angolans as the teams continued to exchange the lead.
Another three-point shot from Nasicella helped Primero to take a very temporary 6-3 lead which was immediately cut by Yolanda Jones whose three-point play evened the scores.
Desportivo’s bench’s time-out changed his team’s fortunes and as they scored six baskets without a reply to take an 18-10 first quarter lead.
The second quarter was evenly contested with both teams engaging in what could be seen as a shooting contest.
It was, however, Primero who oustscored their opponents 16-11 as the scores stood at 29-26 at the break.

Unassailable lead

Desportivo, who had Jones and Ngulela to thank for the victory, won the game in the third quarter when they outscored their opponents 26-17 to build a huge, unassailable lead.
De Agosto, who had to play without Camara Fatouma who was strectchered out with a knee injury in the third quarter, took the fourth quarter 20-15 but that was not enough to help them win.
Jones scored a game high 27 points, Aleia Rachide had 17 points while Sokhni Lisky and Ngulela contributed 11 points each for Desportivo while the Angolans saw Nassicella score 19 points while Obaye Asion managed 13 points.

First Bank from Nigeria finished third after beating ABC from Cote d’ Ivoire 64-53 in the third and fourth playoffs.

Defending champion, Desportivo of Mozambique retain the trophy today after beating en last year’s runner up, Primero de Agosto of Angola 70 – 63 in the grand final of the 14th Africa Champions Cup for women played at Nyayo national stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Desportivo won the first quarter 18 – 10 but the Angolans cut down the margin with 16 – 11 win in the second and trailed 29 – 26 at the break. Mozambicans won a huge 26 – 17 in the third quarter but lost the last 15 – 20, enough to win the game (70 – 63) and hold the trophy for twice in a row.
Yolanda Jones contributed with a high game 27 points for Desportivo while Aleia rachide poured 17 points. Milcenete Nasicella hit 19 points and Obaye Asion 13 points for Primero.

First Bank of Nigeria won the third place after beating today ABC of Cote d’Ivoire 76 – 62 in the classification game for the 3rd and 4th place, played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
First Bank won the first quarter 24 – 13 before ended the second in equality 12 – 12. First Bank won the third 23 – 18 but ABC with a last effort won the last quarter 19 – 17 but not enough to avoid the defeat.
Camara Fatouma of ABC hit the high game 19 points while her teammate Berte Salimata poured 12 points.
First Bank’s side, Udoka Mfon hit 17 points followed by Oselabi Funmilyo with 15 points.

CSA of Ivory Coast wound up in the fifth position when they shocked Djoliba 59-57 in a closely fought game to decide the fifth and sixth place.

The Ivorians got off to a bad star as they trailed 8-13 in the first quarter.But they did better in the second as they battled from down by tally a 13-14 scoreline at the end of an almost evenly contested second quarter.
The third quarter was a nip and tuck affair that went back and fourth as Djoliba were down 45-41 only to recover and tie the scores 45-45 as the ten minutes ended before the last one. CSA were up by a huge 24-16 edge.
Djoliba battled in the fourth but a determined CSA were not to let go the advantage without a fight as Malians charged after a 48-48 tie. CSA raced up again at 59-55 and went in early celebrations as soon as a last second three point attempt by Nasilla Traore went wide.
Diarra Adjara led her side with 17 points while Kouyatte Kani collected another 14 in that sweet win over the former champions. Djoliba had Nasilla hitting game high of 20 points and Mbengue Ndeye contributing 12.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) lost 67-50 to APR of Rwanda in the 14th FIBA Africa women club championships show at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium today.

The Kenyans thus finished in position 8 as APR playing in their first championships took the 7th place. APR were up 21-15 in the first quarter, and 14-13 in the second quarter. The Rwandese who earlier lost 44-43 to KPA in their pool B game, played well in the third taking a 21-15 difference.

KPA, who never recovered ended the match down 11-16 in the last quarter and had only captain Caroline Arato to thank as she continued her good form in the last two games after a poor start. She was the only player to post double digit scores, she nailed 16.
APR had a balance attack led by Muhongerwa Alice and Ndaya Blandine who all hit 20 points while Nadangi Patience shot 11.Assistant coach Mbazumutima Charles was happy.
He told FIBA Africa after the final whistle that he was happy at their achievement in their first outing." We are all too happy to come here and end up in the seventh position in only our first tournament. We can only do better in future." he said.
KPA senior welfare officer Edward Oduor said that the furture for his team is to bank on the youth." We will need to involve younger players in future. That will be the key as this is what we have learnt from this tournement. Its the only way forward." he said.

CSA of Cote d’Ivoire pulled away to beat APR of Rwanda 74-58 in a FIBA Africa women club championships classification game played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
APR had a better first quarter where they took a 20-12 lead, but CSA recovered from this early mishap as they went on to take the second quarter 18-15. In the third quarter, Ivorians had their best quarter leading 26-15 and carried the day with a 18-8 edge in the last one.
Dedjema Ewdige and Kouyatte Kani led the Ivorian charge with 16 points each while Kolga Asssetou and Marriam Kouyatte bagged 12 points each and Begnini Yvonne made another 10. CSA will play for position five and six against Djoliba.
For the Rwandese who will now play Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for position seven and eight, Purity Auma was tops with 16 points, Muhongerwa Alice scored 13 and Ndaya Blandine shot 11.

Eagle Wings lost today their last FIBA Africa Champions Cup game when they were beaten 75-55 by Radi of DR Congo in a classification match played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

The results ensure that the Kenyans wound up the event in the 10th position, The Congolese were placed ninth. Both teams had earlier met in their pool A match which Radi prevailed 71-62.

It was Radi's Matundui Masilla who connected for the game opener before Bridgit Nanzala hit back off a three point miss by Anastasia Njeri. Radi chalked up points and were ahead 20-14 at the end of the quarter.

The second quarter also started with a Radi opener as Nyota Muganae hit a basket and nailed another one as the victors sailed away 41-28 as both teams retired for the half time break.

Eunice Ouma fired a three pointer that saw Wings start off brilliantly before Radi would respond with a free shot from Muganae. Ouma hit another one as the scores stood at 38-42 as Radi wasted easy baskets.

Lukokesha Ukute banged in two from beyond the strip that blew open a close game 57-45 and her second had the scores standing at 57-45 as the quarter ended.

Mukoso Nyota competed a three point play pushing the lead up 60-45, soon it was all systems go and a strong 18 points cushion inside two minutes of p;ay. Muganea made it 65-45 as Radi build their biggest advantage at 22 points.

She then iced the cake with one free shot as tie expired.

Musau led all scorers with game high 23 points, Masalla scored 19 points while Muganea contribute 14. Wings had 17 frpom Ouma, 12 from Caroline Achieng, and 10 from Volnet Wanyama as Wings were placed 10th.

VICTORIA club of DR Congo defeated Kampala City Council (KCC) of Uganda 63 – 55 to claim their only win in the 14th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for women during a classification game for the 11 and 12 position match played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

The victory ensured that the Congolese finished their fixtures in position 11 while the Ugandans, making their debut at the continental scene, ended up last in the 12 team show.

Victoria-club led 16-15 in the first quarter, were up 13-5 in the second. At the end of the third, the winners were up 13-9 before KCC outplayed them 21-14 in the fourth.

Kalanga Tshinyana continued her scoring prowess with 22 points while Nayindu Batekekula scored another 20 for Victoria. For KCC, who became the only team never to have won a game in the championships, Becky Akullo registered 24 while Monica Siima responded with 10.

by Sande Bashaija & Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala

TODAY
Today at Lugogo (Game 3)
Falcons v Power (8.00pm)
A1 Challenge v UCU Ladies
Knight Riders v Ndejje (4.30pm)

With the MTN-Fuba League best of five final series level at one-all, Sadolin Power come into tonight’s game three at Lugogo desperate to earn a psychological edge against defending champions Falcons.

Despite winning the opener 109-85, Power were humiliated 82-55 on Tuesday but victory tonight could revive their title aspirations.

“There are things that went wrong on Tuesday and we can’t let them happen again. We missed so many free throws but we can do better,” Power coach Andrew Baziira noted. Baziira held an hour-long meeting with his entire squad after the Tuesday game to find quick remedies before today’s crucial encounter.

Kenyan coach Kaunda Olumbo guided Falcons to the much-needed victory in game two and has called on his charges to maintain the momentum gathered from Tuesday night.
“It’s important that we don’t fall back to where we were after game one. It will be a tough game on Friday (today) but we can’t afford to lose,” Olumbo said.

Falcons, who qualified for the post-season in fourth place, have defied the formbook and history still favours them to win a seventh championship. The six-time champions recovered from 2-0 to beat Power in the 2002 final series. But Power, runners-up in the regular season, are still determined to overcome Tuesday’s setback and regain control of the series.
“This is our year,” Power skipper Isaac Afidra said.
Star guard Flavia Oketcho must bury the ghosts of game two if UCU Lady Canons are to take the lead against 2005 women champions A-1 Challenge who appeared to have turned the corner.

By Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA Final Playoffs
-Men
Falcons 82 Power 55
Division 2
Riders 74 Angels 67
-Women
A1 51 Canons 44
(All games tied at 1-1)

IF Sadolin Power had thought they would stroll to the title after whitewashing the Mogas Falcons in Game 1 of the MTN-FUBA playoff finals, they were so wrong.

Tuesday night, a Henry Malinga inspired Falcons team won Game 2 by 27 points, a bigger margin of victory than Power’s in the opening game by two points.
Still, although the numbers imply the defending champions had an easy time of it at the Lugogo indoor stadium, their victory came after spending a great effort on suffocating Power’s attack in the first half.
The Falcons restricted Power to 13 points in the first quarter to their 18 and by the half had stretched their lead to 8 points at 38-30. With Power players constantly forcing unsuccessful drives to the hoop, the Falcons stretched their lead to 16 points in the third quarter at 60-44.
The fourth quarter was only used by the Falcons to add more icing on their cake as they levelled the best of five series 1-1.
And it was also a typical Malinga night –– claiming the top scorer’s crown with 25 points and picking up multiple rebounds on either side of the court.
Two other veterans including Malinga’s brother Eric and Sam Obol finished with double figures at 12 and 15 respectively. Isaac Lugudde, who is fast becoming a crucial figure for the defending champions, chipped in 14.
Joseph IKong was Power’s top scorer with 15 points while Isaac Afidra with 12 was the only other teammate to get double figures.

In the women’s final, A1 Challenge leveled the series against the Lady Canons after a superb display from Olivia Mulwana, who scored a game-high 14 points.

Game 3 is tomorrow.

Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo & Sande Bahsaija
Lugogo

RESULTS
Falcons 88-52 Power
A1 Challenge 51-44 UCU Ladies
Knight Riders 74-67 Ndejje
Livingstone 90-82 St. Michael

Tuesday will be remembered as the day Mogas Falcons returned from the dead to level their 2008 MTN Basketball League final series with a bang at Lugogo.
The record six-time league champions whipped Sadolin Power 88-52 to level their five-game series 1-1. It was a stark contrast to his no-show in the 85-100 defeat to the same side last week.

Falcons star Henry Malinga led four players into double figures. His 23 points were supplemented by Sam Obol (15), Isaac Luguude (14) and Eric Malinga (12). Joseph Ikong (15) and Isaac Afidra (12) led Power in a losing effort.

Keen to erase the embarrassing loss in game one, the Falcons were in total control, outscoring Power 18-13, 20-17, 22-14 and 22-11 in the four quarters thanks to the brilliant defensive work of centre Brian Ssentongo.

When Henry and Ssentongo dunked in quick succession to give Falcons a 60-43 third quarter lead, a heated exchange broke out between Mark Enabu and Afidra. Power’s full-court press plan had been torn to shreds.
“I am not certain that we will win game three but today we outwitted them using their own running game,” said Falcons boss John Ssimbwa. 2005 women’s champions A1 Challenge also recovered from their game one blues to dismantle Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons 51-44.

Olivia Mulwana led the charge with 13 points while Ali Mavita added 10. Canons’ star guard Flavia Oketcho was restricted to 12 points, a feat matched by Frances Nabulobi.

“We were very disappointed after game one and knew there was no room for error. The play was superb but it’s not over yet,” Mulwana said.

An American based entertainment group Zound vision Entertainment in collaboration with the Liberia Basketball Federation (LBF) will really make a big tournament happen, a big 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the Sports Commission on December 20.Speaking from his based in Atlanta Georgia a representative of Zound Vision Edwin Fahnbulleh said this competition is common in America, such things down there are played in playgrounds, and every city down there has at least 1 basketball court , but will be new in Liberia and the two institutions have targeted 32 teams for this one day competition. He said funds raised from the competition will be used to fix the VIP Stand of the Sports Commission which will include chairs, roof etc. He informed journalists that the competition will be opened to male and female and each team will comprise of four players which may include brothers, sisters, friends or schoolmates and will be played on a half court.
Also speaking the Secretary General of the Liberia Basketball Federation Fred Pratt said the winner will receive a giant size trophy and a set of jersey.
A tournament that will help the lack of competition still existing in this African country that needs the helps of everyone they can, and this type of competition will sure increase the competition there and a great opportunity to help and raise founds, money and equipment as well.

THE Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) has received R7,000 to help cover the expenses it incurred during the 2008 season.

The money was handed over to the SBF earlier this week and will go towards paying officials for league matches played during the season.
The money comes from the management of the Premium Cobras and PLS Hawks teams. Premium Cobras’ president Roy Collie told Sports Nation that the management of the two teams will use some of the money to organise a youth tournament next year.
The money was raised from the sale of tickets for the Sanken Cup tournament won by Anse Etoile Stars (women) and PLS Hawks (men).
Sanken took over the sponsorship of the usual SBF Cup tournament after the local basketball body suspended it.
This was because the federation was in no position to make payments amounting to R25,000 to match officials for league matches they had taken charge of.

The SBF then decided to cut the SBF Cup from the calendar after a potential sponsor backed out at the last minute.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Fiba-Africa Club Championships

Quarter-finals
Primero vs APR
Djoliba vs Desportivo
KPA vs First Bank
ABC vs CSA

No one knows it better than Kavedzija Veceslav (APR coach) that today is the defining moment for APR’s campaign in the 14th Fiba-Africa Women Club Championships.

The Rwandan giants are scheduled to face famed Primero de Agosto in one of four quarter-final games at Nyayo stadium. If history is anything to go by, then the Angolans, who fell short in last year’s edition which was staged in Mozambique, are absolute favorites after manifesting their title credentials in style by winning all their group matches.

Drawn in Group A, Primero progressed to the quarter-finals unscathed. The Angolans at times even watered down highly hyped sides like Nigeria’s First Bank and ABC of Ivory Coast. On the other hand, APR, playing in their maiden championship doesn’t have much to lose.
Primero’s impressive and enviable unbeaten record at the group stage coupled with their rich history in the championship make them outright favourites but Cliff Owuor, one of the most celebrated coaches in Rwandan basketball believes APR should play their game.
“I believe APR already deserves lots of credit for reaching the quarter-finals on their championship debut. So all they have to do is go out and enjoy themselves on the court,” Owuor said.

In the other quarter-final ties, defending champions Desportivo entertain Djoliba of Mali, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) face Nigeria’s First Bank while Ivory Coast’s ABC and CSA clash.

By PHILIP ONYANGO Posted Thursday, November 27 2008 at 19:47

Kenya Ports Authority were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the Africa club championships last night when they went down to Nigeria’s First Bank 51-44 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

The top scorers for the Nigerians were Joyce Ekwaramodu (15 points) and Chuoni Udeaja (12 points) while the portswomen’s leading scorers were Caroline Arato (15), Agnes Anyango and Yvonne Akinyi (eight points each).
Strangely enough, Nigeria coach, Ejeremi Adewime, opted to rest Udoka Mfom, who has been the team’s mainstay.
Earlier, Eagles Wings defeated Victoria Club from Congo 49-37 to register their first win at the tournament.

In the classification matches, which are being used to determine the teams that will finish in position 9 to 12, group A teams proved more superior than group B teams when Radi from DR Congo, which was in group A, punished Uganda’s KCC 93-60.
Eagle Wings, who finished last in Group A, literally toyed with the Congolese who finished fifth in group B and could have won by an even bigger margin if star players Caroline Majeng, Eunice Ouma and Rebbeca Serange had clicked in this match.
Majeng, who has been Eagle Wings’ mainstay, was particularly off-colour and so was Ouma who has had a very a bad tournament. Kenya Ports Authority, the other Kenya team had beaten Victoria club 57-49 enroute to the quarter-finals.
Other group B teams were Desportivo who finished a first, CSA from Cote d’ Ivoire who finished second, KPA from Kenya who were third and APR Rwanda who finished fourth.

Group A had Primero de Agosto finishing first, First Bank from Nigeria were second, ABC from Cote d’ Ivoire were third while Djoliba from Mali finished fourth.

After taking a 13-12 first quarter lead, Wings, who played an easy game, continued to torment their opponents and were 27-24 up at the break.
They took the third quarter 10-06 to build the lead to 37-30 and were up 12-07 in the fourth quarter for the comfortable win which now guarantees them at least a position nine or 10 finish.
Bridgit Nanzala was the highest scorer for wings with 12 points while Anastacia Njeri scored 10, among them two three point shots.
Other scorers for Wings were Linda Nyikuli five, Rebecca Serange, Judy Juma and Violet Wanyama on four points each.

Game-high score

Tshinyanga Kalanda scored a game high 18 points to lead the scorechart for Victoria clubs while other scorer were Baketukila Nayindu (nine points) and Mikeno Ngono (five).
Against KCC, Radi were lifted by Kalundu Mussau who had a game high 30 points while Nyoka Mukoso and Nyota Mugenea contributed 19 and 14 points respectively.

Meanwhile, Angola’s Primero de Agosto increased their chances of reclaiming the Africa title when they hammered APR from Rwanda 81-54 in an entertaining quarter-final match at the Nyayo venue on Thursday.
De Agosto, who finished second to Deportivo when the championships were held in Mozambique last year, took the game to the Rwandese from the start and were leading 30-15 in the first quarter.

KENYA'S hopes in the FIBA Africa women club championships was dashed after Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) lost 44- 51 to First Bank of Nigeria at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

The porters played perhaps their best game of the tournament and deservedly took the first quarter 14-8 as the experienced Nigerians struggled every way. They however recovered in the second to lead 15-9 as Oselabi Funymilayo hit the target at will.

The third quarter was taken by First Bank who raced a big 20-8 difference before succumbing 8-13 in the last quarrter as KPA exerted pressure in this scrappy match.

Kenyan's Caroline Aratoh unveiled her best show ever and she got big help from Agnes Anyango who worked hard down low but also had her fair share of easy misses down low. Yvonne Akinyi played despite being unwell and did the team good.
With the crowd urging them on, KPA who were down 43-31 at the start of the last quarter moved closer on another Akinyi basketr that had the scores 41-49 with 2: 24 minutes left to play. But First Bank, who did not play Mfon Udoka, refused to wilt and hanged on to make the semis.
Joyce Ekworomandu led with 18, Udeaji Chiomi bagged 12 and Oselabi Funymilayo scored 11. For the home team, Arato nailed 16 and was the only one doing the double.

Defending champions, Desportivo of Mozambique beat Djoliba of Mali 79-63 in a tough FIBA Africa women club championships quarter finals game played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium today.

The champions got off to a 19-16 firsts quarter lead and never looked back despite a tough Djoliba sided breathing down their necks the rest of the way in battle that proved to be the toughest in the quarters.
The second quarter score was 21-15 in favour of the Mozambicans but this fierce duel was broke open only after Deolinda Nguela took over in the third despite the team tying the scores 17-17.
Djoliba threw down everything and had two huge three pointers but Desportivo refused to panic and they recovered brightly to win the show.
Nguela sunk 13 points as did Sakhna Likasy while Diara Desai and Yolanda Jones each contributed 10 for Desportivo. For Djoliba, M'bengue Ndaye led all scorers with game high 19 points while Serem Aminana collected 11.

Primero de Agosto of Angola beat APR of Rwanda 81-54 to win the opening quarter finals of the 14th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for men game played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium today.

Angolans blasted to a huge 30-15 difference in the first quarter they totally dominated. But the Rwandese regrouped and gave as good account of themselves in the second quarter where despite trailing 13-19 gave last year's runners up a run for their money.
In the third quarter, Agosto hanged up 19-11 as APR covered every face of the court battling the winners basket for basket to the delight of the their coach Kavedisa Veselan. Their hard work was however rewarded in the last quarter which they taking with a 15-13 margin.
Milicente Ostrida led Agosto with game high 18 points, Mauricio Nasicella connected for 17 while Cardoso Angela managed another 11 for th Angolans. APR , who were urged on by a small Kenyan crowd was led by Purity Auma who bagged 12 while Blandine Ndaya collected 10.

EAGLE Wings registered their sole won in the 14th Fiba Africa Champions Cup for women when they hit Victoris Club of DR Congo 49-37 in a low scoring tie counting for the classification at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium today.

The Kenyans who lost all their five preliminary pool A matches, were not at their best but were determined not to lose again and did well to respond any threat posed by their opponents.

After the Congolese had taken a 1-0 lead on a free shot by Mikeno Ngono, Bridgit Nanzala replied for the winners who went on to take a lead 11-7 before Victoria clutched back three times but still trailed 12-13 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second, Wings struggled for grip and were never really in full control but doing enough defensively to deny Victoria access to easy passing seams. They took a close 27-24 margin as the two teams went to the half time break.

After resumption, it was the lively Njeri who potted a basket that stretched the advantage to 37-30 as they came out full court press. This seems to pay dividend as it disorientated the losers who went to throw turn over after turn over.
As soon as the last quarter, got underway, it was Njeri again who buried a three pointer that took the lead to 40-31. Both sides then went scoreless for a long spell before of colour Caroline Achieng forced in a shot for a 12 point cushion.
Nanzala led Wings with 12 points while Mburu Anastasia bagged another 10. For the Congolese, it was the ever busy Kalanga Tshinyanga who was the main player. She was the only one who posted double digit scores as she nailed game high of 18 points.
Wings will today meet Radi again in a game that will determine who finished the ten day tournament in the ninth and tenth position. In their pool A meeting, Wings sucumbed 61-72.

Radi of DR Congo crushed Kampala City Council (KCC) 93-60 in first classification game. The Ugandans remained the only team in the twelve team event without a win. They will now fight out against Victoria ( the loser of the other classification game) for the 11-12 position tomorrow while Radi will face Eagle Wings for the 9 – 10 position.
The winners took a huge 27-16 lead at the end of the first quarter and hanged on 27-10 in the second quarter. The third was again all too easy for Radi who went up 27-16.
KCC, playing without their inspirational captain Miriam Hamala, who reportedly returned back to Uganda, did better in the last quarter as they came out to force a 18-18 tie.
Kalundu Mussau connected for 30 point haul, Nyola Mukoso nailed 19, Nyota Mugane responded with 14 while Mautundayi Key hit another 11 for Radi. KCC were pepped by Becky Akulo who recorded the team's best haul in the games with 27 points while Annete Nakivu chipped in with 14.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Fiba-Africa Club Championships
(APR 69-57 V-Club)
Group A
Primero 8pts
First Bank 7pts
ABC 7pts
Djoliba 6pts
Radi 4pts
Eagle Wings 4pts
Group B
Desportivo 8pts
KPA 7pts
CSA 7pts
APR 6pts
KCC 4pts
V-Club 4pts

APR stormed the quarter finals of the 14th Fiba Africa Women Club Championships in style after Monday’s 69-57 win over Victoria Club of DR. Congo at Nyayo stadium, Kenya.
This result coupled with KCC’s crushing 105-57 defeat against defending champions, Desportivo was enough to earn the Rwandan giants a quarter finals slot.

Although Victoria claimed the final quarter (20-16), APR’s aggressive start proved decisive.
The national league champions set the ball rolling with a 16-point lead at the interval after dominating the first two quarters; 23 – 13 and 17 – 11.
The third quarter ended in a tie (13-13) to further complicate Victoria Club’s task at hand.
Muleka Ndaya nailed 24 points for the army side while Jocelyn Muhongerwa and Claudette Imanishimwe weighed in with13 points each.

Kalanga Tshinyangu top scored for the Congolese with 23 points.
The victory was APR’s second in the competition after Saturday’s 81-61 win over Uganda’s KCC leopards.
APR, fourth in Group B rounded off their group fixtures yesterday with a clash against CSA of Ivory Coast.
Desportivo’s commanding victory over KCC kept them at the helm of Group B with eight points. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)’s fairytale run came to an end after a 53-63 defeat against CSA. The result left both clubs tied in second place with seven points.

In Group A, title contenders Primero de Agosto of Angola continued to show their title credentials with a stunning 99-44 win over Kenya’s Eagle Wings.
The result took them to eight points. Nigeria’s First Bank and ABC of Ivory Coast are in second place with seven points while Djoliba kept onto their fourth position despite Monday’s 44-60 loss to ABC of Ivory Coast.

By Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA Playoff Finals
Game 2, 5pm-10pm
Women
Canons v A1
Men
Power v Falcons
Division 2
Angels v Riders

HISTORY has been praised for having the ability to predict the future but as far as Game 2 of the men’s basketball playoff finals today is concerned, it is inconclusive.
This is because, depending on which chapter is selected, consulting the past on a Sadolin Power versus Mogas Falcons final would turn-up conflicting results.
On one hand, using the latest entry, which is Power’s 109-85 win over the Falcons last week makes Power strong favourites to win tonight’s encounter.

On the other hand, if one looks a little further back, the Falcons are still very much in contention, if not favourites. Just last year, the Falcons bounced back from two opening losses to win the finals against the Kyambogo Warriors.
In fact in 2002 the Falcons lost the first two games to Power in the finals but still won the championship.

So the records are treacherous at this point yet either team captain cannot look past Game 1 in their preparations for today’s reunion.
“We can do better than we did in Game 1,” said Power talisman and captain Isaac Afidra. “Offensively we were okay but we need to improve a little bit on our defence individually and as a team.”

On tonight’s game, he said:“We are taking it one game at a time. We are just coming out to play our game, without any pressure at all.”

His counterpart Eric Malinga was not very divergent in his views.
“In Game 1 we didn’t do enough to stop them from scoring,” he stated.
“We did not put the extra effort on defence and offensively, we failed to execute our patterns as well as we wanted.”
“We definitely have to do more tonight,” Malinga asserted, “It’s a final so we have no other choice because if we don’t we are going down the drain.”
* IT would have been hard to predict before the women’s playoffs final series begun that A1 Challenge would, at any one point, have anything to prove.

But after being embarrassed 50-24 by the Lady Canons in Game 1 last week, A1 find themselves on the brink of seeing their title ambitions going up in smoke in front of their eyes.
A1 players looked clueless, were wasteful and showed very little of their typical fighting spirit and the sense of disbelief was visible on their faces at the final whistle.

If the Canons win tonight, it might be hard for A1 to recover.
Canons star centre Lorraine Akinyi said they vowed to make the most of their maiden finals appearance.
“We said to ourselves that if we get into the playoffs that we can lose at the semi-finals but not in the finals. We are determined to fulfill that,” she said.

by Sande Bashaija
Lugogo

Today
Livingstone v St Michael
3:30pm
Knight Riders v Ndejje
5:00pm
A-1 Challenge v UCU
6:30pm
Falcons v Sadolin Power
8:00pm

Record champions Falcons are well aware of the task ahead when they face Sadolin Power in game two of the MTN-Fuba League play-off finals at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

The defending champions were humiliated 109-85 in game one last week and will definitely be under pressure to level the best of five series if they are to keep their title hunt on track.
“We played badly in the opener. We have tried to iron out our mistakes and the boys are ready for the clash. I know its going to be a very tough game,” Falcons’ boss John Ssimbwa said yesterday.
History still favours Falcons, the side having come from 2-0 to win championships in 2002 and 2007.

The mere fact that Power were the victims in 2002 is a psychological advantage for Falcons. However, Ssimbwa confesses that they won’t take anything for granted. “We like taking it one game at a time. Much as I am confident in the team handling pressure, we won’t look back to history.”

Falcons will however be without their much respected Kenyan coach Thomas ‘Smarts’ Olumbo, the man that turned the out of sorts side into champions last year. His young brother Kaunda Olumbo will assume the mantle but must learn how to control his temper. The coach came to near blows with centre player Brian Ssentongo as Power ran over them in the opener.

Power in high spirits
Power last won a championship in 2000 but have vowed to end their title drought. “This is our year. There are many factors motivating us to win this championship,” team skipper Isaac Afidra said after game one. Afidra was outstanding in game one, the utility player scoring 24 points besides out marking the Malinga brothers, Eric and Henry.

After a lackluster performance that saw them score 24 points in game one, 2005 women champions A-1 Challenge face UCU Lady Canons hoping to bounce back and level the series. “This is our championship. Come to me again after the series,” A-1 Challenge coach Hamza Nyambongo said. The youthful coach must however polish up his team’s movements to help them match the Lady Canons’ fast-paced game. Knight Riders face Ndejje University in the men’s Second Division while Livingstone entertain St Michael in Third Division finals.

The second week of the libyan basketball league had two important games Ittihad plays against Madina and Shabab faces Ahli Tripoli .

The first game was not as expected , Ittihad dominated the game from the begining ending the first quarter 21-4.
Ittihad continued their good performance in the second quarter although Madina managed to reduce the difference to end the second quarter 44-20.
Madina improved in the third quarter tried to put pressure on Ittihad players but they missed many good opportunities to score as the third quarter ended 60-31 for Ittihad.
Madina continued their pressure in the forth quarter while Ittihad stayed calm tried to make advantage from the 24 seconds , game ended 81-52 for Ittihad.

top scorer was Mohammed Diop from Ittihad with 24 points , Alamin Yakoub shares the top rebounder with Mohammed Zaied with 10 rebounds , Rashid Sayed with 3 assissts.

the second game between shabab and Ahli Tripoli was more anticipating , Shabab begun the game perfectly as they scored 4 consecutive 3 points to take advantage 12-4 but ahli managed to come back scoring 10 consecutive points ending the first quarter 18-16 for Ahli.
the second quarter was almost equal between the two teams Shabab gained a slight advantage in the end , first half ends 32-29 for Shabab.
in the third quarter Ahli bounced back applying pressure on Shabab players who missed many open shots as they struggle from the 2 point range but they kept their lead 41-40.
Shabab took early lead in the forth quarter as they continue to shoot smoothley from the 3 point line while Ahli managed to score only 6 points in this quarter, game ended for Shabab 60-46.
Mohammed Issa was the top scorer from Shabab with 33 points , Babaker Wad the top rebounder with 13 rebounds , Nader Maremi with 5 assissts.
In the other games Ahli Benghazi defeats Moroj 59-54 , Nasr beat Hilal 76-61.

from africabasket.com

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Final

APR 74-48 Espoir

Cliff Owuor’s Indomitable Lions eased to a comfortable 74-48 win over fallen giants Espoir on Sunday to retain this year’s Gisembe Memorial tournament played at Amahoro Indoor stadium.
Despite a close contest after the opening two quarters (29-24), the defending champions opened up their scoring wheels in the third and fourth quarter to leave the tournament organizers, Espoir stunned.
Mike Buzangu, Bienvenue Ngandu and Abidan Bisankuri were all in top form for the army side that used the tournament as a build up for next month’s Fiba-Africa Men Club Championships in Tunisia.

Walking into the tournament as clear favorites, APR lived up to the billing with some thrilling performances in the two-day tournament.

At the preliminary stage, APR took Goma Bulls of DR. Congo by the horns with two well executed victories. In the first game, APR posted an 83-38 win before registering a more convincing 103-35 win in game two.

The annual tournament attracted four clubs; APR, Espoir, Basketball United Generation (BUG) and Goma Bulls. Last year, APR ousted Espoir after a tightly contested game 74-71.

Gisembe Memorial is an annual tournament organized and funded by Espoir basketball club in memory of their players, officials and fans but specifically their all-time great Gisembe Ntawugera a victim of the 1994 Tutsi Genocide.

By PHILIP ONYANGO

Kenya Ports Authority lost their last preliminary round match 67-49 to defending champions Desportivo of Angola in the Africa women’s basketball club championships at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday.

The win ensured Desportivo, who are yet to lose a match, finished top of their group with a maximum eight points as preliminary matches ended Tuesday.

Teams to occupy second, third and fourth places were to be decided when Rwanda Patriotic Army play CSA from Cote d’Ivoire later Tuesday.A win for the APR would see them take second position while CSA would remain third and KPA fourth in the group.

However, a win for CSA would see KPA remain third place while CSA and APR would occupy second and fourth positions respectively. It was KPA’s Agnes Anyango who scored the first basket, which was, however, quickly cancelled by Deolinda Ngulela.

A free throw by Sokhna Lisky and a board shot from Anabel Kosa saw Deportivo lead 5-2 before Caroline Arato scored a free throw for a 5-3 score.

Joyce Makhungu, Brenda Angeshi and Velma Naliaka combined for 11 points as KPA closed the gap to 16-15 at the end of the first quarter.

The second half was evenly contested, especially after the introduction of Kenya under-18 guard Helen Oketch, whose aggressive defensive play made life difficult for Desportivo.

With the victors leading 22-19, Oketch nailed a three-pointer to tie the score 22-22, the closest KPA came to the Mozambicans.

Oketch was substituted by Mwajuma Suleiman and Desportivo were at it again with the trade mark three points for a 29-23 half time score and 51-36 score in the third quarter.

Ngulela scored a game high 20 points including four three-pointers in the fourth quarter while Lisky contribuited 12 points.

Makhungu was KPA’s top scorer with 16 points while Everlyne Akoth, one of the tournaments best shooters, scored nine points.

In a match played at the same venue earlier, DR Congo’s Victoria Club defeated Uganda’s KCC 61-57 to finish fifth in the group.

Kenya’s Eagle Wings, who are yet to win a match, lost 99-44 to Premero de Agosto from Mozambique on Monday night.

The other group A match saw ABC from Cote de Ivoire beat a disjointed Djoliba from Mali 60-44.

Both teams however qualified for the quarter finals in this group whose leaders are Premero de Agosto with First Bank occupying the second position. Wednesday is a rest day.

Radi of DR Congo finished their group games by posting today their sole win against Eagle Wings of Kenya- 72 – 61 in a closely fought pool A tie, played at the Nyayo national stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Radi were down in the first quarters with a 14 - 18 margins while charged back to take the second 20 – 15. In the third, Eagle Wings led 15 – 12 and trailed 13 – 26.
Masau Kalungu exploded for game high 24 points while Mukosa Nyoka collected 16 for the DR Congo's side. Eagle Wings who ended their preliminary round matches without a win, had 21 points from Miriam Hamala and 17 from Anastasia Andalia.
Radi and Eagle Wings ranked fifth and sixth respectively, failed to go into quarter final and will fight with the fifth and sixth of Group B for the classification games for the 9th – 12th places.

First Bank of Nigeria hit today Djoliba of Mali 69-61 in a tight pool A match counting for the day 5 at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Serem Aminata three pointer opened the game for Djoliba who superb in the first two quarters as they took the game to First Bank. They were ahead 22-19 in the first quarter and hanged on 13-11 in the second quarter.
But Firts Bank, who now finished second behind leaders Primero of Angola, managed a 19-17 cushion in the third as the experience of professional Mfon Udoka showed in the last which they took 20-9 to carry the day.
Udoka scored 15 points mostly in the last quater while Joyce Ekworomandu hit game leading 19. For Djoliba, Traore Mama led with 18 while Nassira bagged 11 and Mbengue Ndaye hit 10

CSA of Côte d’Ivoire defeated APR of Rwanda 82-56 in a pool B match counting for the day 5. The win ensured that the Cote d'Ivoire side finished second behind champions Desportivo.
CSA took all quarters leading 23-18 in the first and 14-3 in the second where APR posted the lowest points tally in a quarter for the whole tournament. In the third quarter the winners maintained a close 20-18 edge and 25-17 in the last.
Top scorers for CSA were Kolga Mariam, Kolga Assetou and Kouyatte Kani all of who contributed 16 each. For The Rwandese, Ndaya Blandine shot 17, Muhongerwa Alice shot 13 while Purity Auma made 12.

KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) went down 49-67 to defending champions Desportivo of Mozambique in the Day 5 counting for Group B of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for women game at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
The porters got off to a smart start when Agnes Anyango shot the match opener before Deolinda Nguela made the winners first basket. Nguela reverse lay up then had the scores 5-3 as the winners took a 11-5 advantage. Joyce Makungu turn shot had the scores 7-11.

But again Nguela was at it, making the scores 14-7 from a three point shot. Soon Makungu fed Brenda Angechi inside and she scored her only points. On fire Makungu bagged a buzzer beater as the first quarter ended with KPA down 6-15.

In the second quarter, Yolanda Jones got Desportiovo ahead 18-15 and Caroline Arato had it 17-18 before Aleia Rachie scored on their next possesion to stretch the victors’ slim margin to a 22-17 advantage as KPA made the champions look ordinary.

Hellen Oketch checked in and her first contribution was a huge three pointer that locked the duel 22-22, Arato swished a free shot at 23-22 with 0:58 seconds. Rachide made it 24-23 and Sokhna Lisky basket seperated the teams 26-23 at half time.

The third quarter was solely a Nguela show. Desportivo's exiting point guard was on top of her game as she started to exert pressure hitting clutch three pointers that disrupted KPA tempo. Her first had the scores 29-23, after Everlyn Akoth hit a three, Nguela unveilled yet another.

As KPA struggled to figure out how to contain her swift off the ball movements, she escaped and connected for a 51-36 as the third quarter ended of this pool B encounter.

She did not even come back to play in the last quarter as her team had raked up a 23 points lead, the biggest of the game.

Veteran Makungu was the KPA toast as she worked hard to manage 16 points, the only double figure recorded by the porters in this match. For Desportivo, Ngeula wound up with 20 points, Likshy recorded 13.

Coach Anthony Ojukwu hailed her side saying they played better than their previous game where they lost 53-63 to CSA of Core d Ivoire. "We were better today despite the loss. Desportivo are the champions and closing them down in the first half showed we had done well. We will work on our finishing before the quarters."

His counter part, Nasir Saleh dismissed KPA saying the game was not tough but that his girls shooting which made them the only team to average over twenty points per quarter was wanting. "My girls did not execute well that is the difference."

Victoria of DR Congo finished their group games by posting today their sole win against KCC of Uganda61-57 in a closely fought pool B tie, played at the Nyayo national stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
KCC were down in the opening three quarters with a 12-16, 15-17, 23-17 margins while charged back to take the last 11-7.
Mikeno Ngono exploded for game high 24 while Kalanga Tshinyanga collected 12 for the DR Congo's side. KCC who ended their preliminary round matches without a win, had 22 from Miriam Hamala and 12 each from Berky Akulo and Annete Ntabui.

By Oscar Pilipili

Deolinda N’gulela shook off waves of defenders in a 20-point effort that helped Desportivo of Mozambique beat national champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 67-49 in Fiba Africa Championship Cup for Women.

N’gulela made four three -pointers out of nine attempts, with three of them coming in the third period of the match watched by 200 fans at Nyayo National Stadium.
Sokhna Liksy added 12 points for the defending champions Desportivo who finished at the top of Pool ‘B’ with maximum points from five matches.

KPA top scorer

Veteran Joyce Makhungu was the highest scorer with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the KPA side that had only one player with two digit points in the match yesterday. Both Desportivo and KPA had qualified for the quarterfinals scheduled for tomorrow and the match was for ranking purposes.
When asked to assess his centre player N’gulela, who has emerged as one of the best three pointers in the Championship, Desportivo coach Nasir Saleh said: "She (N’gulela) is a great team player and I believe her performance was up to our expectations."
About their chances in the event, Saleh said: "Desportivo is a team of young players and their target just like the rest of the participants here is to win the Championship."
KPA coach Anthony Ojuku said: "My team played very well today considering that we were facing one of the greatest teams on the continent."
Ojuku expressed concern over KPA’s failure to utilise their chances. The Kenyans converted only five out of their 14 free throws (35.7 per cent) while the Mozambicans sunk 19 out of 31 (61.3 per cent).
Ojuku said: "It is not good for us to miss to convert easy positions that come our way and we must find a solution to this problem."
He singled out Helen Okech and Carolyn Mureji as the most outstanding players in the match against Desportivo.Earlier, Victory Club of Congo beat Kampala City Council (KCC) 61-57 in a match that pitted the last two teams in pool ‘B’.
Mikeno Ngono had 24 points including four three pointers for Victoria while teammate Kalanga Tsinyangu had 18 points to her name.
Miriam Mahala was the highest scorer for KCC with 22 points followed by Berky Akullo and Annett Nabatanzi who contributed 12 points apiece.

Cotton Sportiff d’Abijan (CSA) of Ivory Coast overcame Patriotic Army of Rwanda (APR) 82-55 in the last match of Pool ‘B’ to end up in the runners-up position.

Teams that have qualified for the quarterfinals from the pool are: Desportivo, CSA, KPA and APR who are featuring two Kenya students- Purity Auma and Brenda Wasuda.

D’AGOSTO LEADING

Primero D’Agosto of Angola were leading with eight points after the first four matches in a tough Pool ‘A’.
Primera d’Agosto of Angola, First Bank (Nigeria), Djoliba (Mali) and ABC (Ivory Coast) are teams that have qualified from a tough Pool ‘A’.
They were still playing last group matches by the time we went to press. Eagles Wings, who were the other Kenyan team, bowed out of contention by losing all their matches. The Championship takes a break today and resumes tomorrow with quarterfinals.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) today lost their first Africa Champions Cup for women game when they were fell 53-63 to CSA of Core d' Ivoire in Day 4 game of Goup B played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

A dramatic collapse by the porters in the last 3:00 minutes caused them a clear win as they were leading 52-48 on a basket by Everlyne Akoth. Four costly turnovers by Mwajuma Suleiman, Caroline Arato, Joyce Mwakungu and Irene Murambi did KPA in.

The players who fed on those blunders were Kolga Asstou and Mariam Kouyate who costed for the winning points for CSA as the crowd and coach Anthony Ojukwu wondered what really went wrong so late in the game.

That sad loss, now means that KPA are now third and will face off against the second team from pool A in the quarters.

CSA took a 2-0 lead when Asstou hit a basket after another early Mwajuma turn over. But KPA battled hard on the efforts by Yvonne Akinyi to take a 16-12 first quarter advantage.

The Kenyans continued that surge in the second quarter as this closely fought and entertaining tie went back and fourth to the delight of small crowd. KPA trailed 27-28 at the break.

After resumption, Akoth sunk a basket, but Kouyate answered with a three as CSA locked the scores 31-31. Agnes Anyango free shots made it 37-38 but she fumbled thereafter as CSA went up 41-38. Akinyi attoned for the blunder off a Makungu miss for a 42-41 KPA lead as the buzzer sounded for the end of the quarter.

Makungu made it 44-41 from restart but never say die CSA charged again locking the scores 48-48 and 52-52. Makungu fumbled and CSA raced the other end of the court for a basket by the hard working Asstou. She had it 55-52 and the losers never recovered the rest of the way.

Ironically it was Makungu who led his team charges with 14 points while Akinyi nailed 14 and Anyango bagged nine for KPA. For the victors, Kouyatte Kani led the rout with 18 points while Asstou registered 14.

First Bank of Nigeria struggled for grip before beating Radi of DR Congo 76-66 in a rough encounter counting for Group A day 4 of the 14th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for women at the Nyayo National stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Nigerians led 18-19 and 18-14 in the first two quarters but trailed 20-19 and 23-21 in the last two in this was a pool A showdown.
Joyce Ewokorokwo connected for 17 and Chiona Udeaji scored 20 for First Bank.For Radi’s side, Massau Kalanga hit 16 and Mukosa Nyota 14 while Matunda Masiawa and Mugamza Nyoka each made 11.

APR of Rwanda won its second victory toady after beating Victoria Club of DR Congo 69 - 57 in the Group B game counting for Day 4 of the 14th Champions Cup for women at the Nyayo national stadium gymnasium.
APR wont he two first quarters (23 – 13 and 17 - 11) but the third ended with equality between APR and Victoria (13 – 13). Victoria won the last quarter 20 – 16.
Ndaya Muleka of APR scored the high game 24 points while her teammates Muhongerwa Jocelyn and Inanishimwe Claudette poured 13 points each.
Victoria’s side, Kalanga Tshinyangu scored 23 points followed by Mikeno Ngono who poured 16 points.
APR captured its second victory in row and recorded two defeats while Victoria, after four games, still looking for a first win.

Desportivo of Mozambique crushed today KCC of Uganda 105 – 57 in the Group B game counting for Day 4 of the 14th Champions Cup for women at the Nyayo national stadium gymnasium.
The players of Desportivo won the three first quarters (35 – 14, 32 – 17 and 22 – 10) but the fourth and last quarter ended with equality between KCC and Desportivo (16 – 16).
Diara Desai of Desportivo scored the high game 23 points while her teammates Anabel Kosa and Yolanda Jones poured 14 points each.
KCC’s side, Hamaza Miriam scored 22 points followed by Nakivyii Annet who poured 15 points.
Desportivo recorded its fourth victory in row and led the Group B while KCC, after four games, still looking for a first win.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Fiba Africa Women Club Championships
Group A
1. Primero de Agosto (ANG): 6 pts
2. First Bank (NIG): 5 pts
3. ABC (CIV): 5 pts
4. Djoliba (MLI): 3 pts
5. Eagle Winds (KEN): 3 pts
6. Radi (RDC): 2 pts

Group B
1. Desportivo (MOZ): 6 pts
2. KPA (KEN): 6 pts
3. APR (RWA): 4 pts
4. CSA (CIV): 3 pts
5. Victoria (RDC): 3 pts
6. KCC (UGA): 2 pts

APR have to win their last two group games to progress to the quarter-finals of the 14th Fiba-Africa Women Club Championships.

The Rwandan giants will bank on their compelling win against Uganda’s KCC Leopards when they take on Ivory Coast’s CSA and V-Club of DR. Congo today and tomorrow respectively.

After a poor start characterized by back to back defeats against Kenya Port Authority and defending champions Desportivo, the national league champions bounced back in style with a well deserved 81-61 win over KCC.
Kavedzija Veceslav, APR’s coach will now look to his utility player Patience Ndandi and Jocelyne Muhongerwa for results. The pair has been outstanding for the army side in the tournament.
In APR’s opening game against KPA, the army side looked set for a positive result before Ndandi got fouled out and recently, Muhongerwa masterminded APR’s first win in the competition with a game high 30 points against KCC.

KCC are a wild card entry into the championships after a last minute withdrawal of Sonatra of Mozambique.

The championship which started last Thursday and ends on Saturday attracted twelve clubs; seeded into two groups A and B.

Eagle Wings are out of the 14th Fiba Africa Cup for women after losing 74-95 to First Bank from Nigeria at the Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium.

The Nigerian side, with six national team players in their ranks, were made to fight for their win by Wings who could have won the game if coach Thomas Olumbo had used his players well.
Rebecca Serange, Judy Juma, Everlyne Kedogo, Maurine Andalia and Volmet Wanyama were left on the bench for too long as Carolyne Achieng, Linda Nyikuli, Eunice Ouma Brigit Nanzala and Njeri battled with the highly experienced Nigerians.

Gave the game away

After taking a 24-20 at the end of the first quarter, the Kenyans continued to frustrate the Nigerians whose coach opted to rest former WNBA star Udoka Mfon and led 44-38 at the break before they gave the game away in the third quarter, which the Nigerians won 26-10.
Oluchi Ezekwe scored game high 30 points, among them five three pointers while Joyce Ekworomadu had 24 points with four three pointers.
Caroline Achieng led the scores for Eagle Wings with 29 points. Wings still have two preliminary matches as they await to start the classification matches on Thursday. They play Premero de Agosto today and Radi from DRC Congo on Tuesday.

The other Kenyan team, Kenya Ports Authority, who are already in the quarter finals, beat Victoria Club of DR Congo 57-49 victory over Victoria Club from DRC Congo.

Angola’s Primero Agosto became the first team to cross a century mark in the championships with a 100-50 win over Mali’s Djoliba in the Group”A” tie on Saturday.
The win kept the Angolans in the driving seat of the Group ‘A’, in which they are favoured to finish with unbeaten record.
They have six points from three wins. in a rowand are assured to make the top four for the quarter finals. Primero Agosto beat First Bank 63-58 in their opener, rocked Radi of DRC 75-53 before the record win over the Malians.

Desportivo, led by the international guard Mariam Kolga are the other team to watch in the tournament.
They beat Victoria Club 85-41 in game one, defeated APR of Rwanda 88-41before registering another good score 90-57 against CSA of Cote D’ Ivoire.

Results: APR (Rwanda) 94 KCC (Uganda) 75, DR Congo (57) Desportivo (Mozambique) 90 CSA (Cort d Ivoire) 57, Djoliba (Mali)72 Radi (Congo) 71; CSA DR Congo) 71 KCC 43.

Monday’s matches Desportivo v KCC (10am), APR v Victoria (12pm), First Bank v Radi (2pm), CSA v KPA (4pm), Eagle Wings v Primero Agosto (6pm), Djoliba v ABC (8pm).

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Fiba-Africa Women Club Championships

Day 1: KPA 44-43 APR
Day 2: Desportivo 88-41 APR
Day 3: APR 81-61 KCC

APR yesterday posted their first win at the on-going 14th Fiba-Africa Women Club Championship in Kenya after a compelling 81-61 victory over Uganda’s KCC Leopards.

The win was timely for the national league champions after a poor start to the tournament characterised by successive defeats against KPA and defending champions Desportivo.
Although APR were unlucky losers on day one against KPA (43-44), they clearly came off second best to tournament favourites ‘Desportivo’ after an 88-41 full time score on day two.
Against KCC, APR struggled to find their pace earlier on and even trailed the Ugandans at half time (23-31) after falling behind in the first two quarters; 11-13 and 12-18.
However, the Rwandan giants bounced back in the second half thanks to some individual prowess from Jocelyne Muhongerwa and Aline Sine.
The duo masterminded the club’s fight back to guide the military side to convincing third and fourth quarter wins; 25-11 and 33-19.
This performance earned APR a 20 points margin victory. Muhongerwa finished off with a game high 30 points while Sine weighed in with 15.

By CAXTON APOLLO and PHILLIP ONYANGO

Eagle Wings, one of the two teams representing Kenya in the on going 14th Fiba Africa Women’s championships face early elimination as the event enters the fourth day at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Drawn in Group ‘A’, the toughest of the two pools, Eagle Wings reduced their chances of qualification for the quarter final difficult when they lost their second straight match 82-60 to Mali’s experienced Djoliba on Friday night.
They lost their opening match of the tournament 66-53 to ABC of Cote D’ Ivoire.
Eagle Wings must beat First Bank of Nigeria to qualify for the semis. Eagle Wings were scheduled to play the Nigerian outfit on Saturday evening.

Drawn in the tough Group A, Wings played a much improved game but still could not match the more skilful Malians who had in their lineup Mbengue Ndeye, a member of the Mali National team which participated in this years Olympic games in Beijing China.

Ba Anjindeye opened the floodgates with a free throw before Mbeguye Ndeye, who nailed six three pointers in the match, sunk two from outside the arc within the first minute. Traore Nassira made two free throws bringing the score to 9-0 as Wings coach Thomas Smarts olumbocalled a timeout.

This paid off as Eunice Ouma and Anastacia Mburu responded with three pointers to close the gap 9-6.

Two successful free throws from Janet Okoth made it 9-8 to the delight of hundreds of fans at the Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium.

Brigit Nyongesa and Janet Akoth contributed four points for a 13-15 difference, the best score line for Eagle Wings in the first half as Djoliba raced to a 22-13 first quarter lead.

Ndeye scored a game high 25 points for Djoliba with other contributions coming from Serem Aminata (11) and Koneunou (9) Brigit Nanzala 12 points, Caroline Achieng 11 points and Maurine Andalia nine were top scorers for Eagle Wings.

Even worse for the Wings, they face another big hurdle in Africa’s top side Primero Agosto of Angola whom they play on Monday at 6pm.

They will play their final preliminary round match against Radi of Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday from 6pm.

Tournament favourites Primero Agosto are already through to the quarters following their two consecutive victories.

After their win over First Bank , the Angolans thrashed Radi of DRC 75-53. the fight for the remaining three quarter final slots in Group A is now between First Bank, Djoliba and ABC of Cote D’ Ivoire.

In other matches,First Bank of Nigeria defeated ABC from Cote d Ivoire 57-50 after leading 21-19 at the break. US based Udoka Mfon scored 11 points while Ekoromandu Joyce contributed 15 points. ABC had Berte Salimaia scoring 13 points while Obaye Asion made eight.

Rwanda’s APR got their first win - a 81-21 victory over Uganda’s KCC Leopards with Joselyne Muhongerwa of APR Rwanda scoring 30 points.

Results: ABC 66 Eagle Wings 53, Victoria Club 41 Desportive 85, Radi 63 First Primero Agosto 75, Eagle Wings 60 Djoliba 82, KPA 44 APR 43, Desportivo 88 APR 41, KPA 73 KCC 41. Today’s sunday fixtures: KCC v CSA (9am), Radi v Djoliba (11am).

Primero de Agosto of Angola recorded its third victory after beating Djoliba of Mali 100 – 58 in the day 3 game counting for the Group A of the 14th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for women played at Nyayo national stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Primero de Agosto lost the first quarter 19 – 24 but won the three other (28 – 15, 27 – 9 and 26 – 10).
Nacissela and Gadalupe of Primero poured 21 points each while Cardoso and Milcente scored 15 points each for the winner side.
Serem Aminata and Traoré Nassira poured 10 points each for Djoliba’s side.
Wit hits third victory, Primero de Agosto remain at the top of Group A while Djoliba with one victory and one defeat will fight tomorrow against Radi of DR Congo in the Day 1 game delayed.

First Bank of Nigeria beat Eagle wings of kenya 94 – 75 in the day 3 game counting for the Group A of the 14th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for women played at Nyayo national stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
At the game start, Eagle Wings played fast and won the first quarter 24 – 20 but Fisrt Bank led by former WNBA player, Udoka Mfon won the second and third quarters (22 – 14 and 26 – 10) but lost the fourth 26 – 27.
The best scorer of the game was Nzekwe Oluchi with 30 points while her teammate Ekworomadu Joyce hit 24 points.
The best scorer for Eagle Wings was Carolyn Juma who poured 29 points followed by Anastasia Mburu with 15 points.

The defending champion, Desportivo of Mozambique, crushed CSA of Côte d’Ivoire 90 – 57 in the Group b of day 3 in the 14th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for women at Nyayo National stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
The players of Desportivo lelf no quarters to the Ivoirian’s side as they won all the four quarters (23 – 10, 21 – 10, 24 – 21 et 22 – 16).
The best scorer of the game was Aleia Rachide of Desportivo with 20 points while her teammates Catia Halar and Yolanda Jones poured 19 and15 points respectively. CSA recorded 18 points from Kouyaté Kani and another 10 points from Kolga Assetou.
Desportivo recorded three victories and remains at the top of Group B.

ASA 75 AGOSTO 85
PREMIERRO De Agosto of Angola on Thursday night defended the Zone Six Africa Basketball men title in style after edging fellow countrymen ASA in a grueling final at National Sports Development Centre.

It was a match worthy watching as the two teams that have been trashing their opponents at the tournament finally came face-to-face in the finals of the regional competition and proved that their country was the best in the sport in Africa.

ASA started the game on a fast note and in most cases caught De Agosto guards Joacquim Gomez and Francis Jordao napping.

As a result of poor guarding, Agosto found themselves trailing by 6-11 in the opening eight minutes as ASA took advantage of the pace to punish their countrymen.
Agosto tried hard to penetrate the ASA defence in an effort to post the baskets and reduce the gap but all in vain.

ASA were up 27-16 in the first quarter.

In the second quarter Agosto started staging attacks with their forwards Miguel Lutunda and Simao Joao trying to get three pointers but the ASA guards Oliviera Christovao and Goncalves Francisco stood firm.

But as the second quarter progressed, ASA ran out of steam and allowed Agosto forwards Felizardo Ambrosio and Olympio Cipriano to start controlling the proceedings and post the baskets.

This was the turning point for Agosto who never looked back after taking the lead.

By half time, Agosto were leading by a point (41- 40).
The third quarter was also full of action as both teams continued to search for baskets but Agosto held on and had by this time grown in confidence.

Agosto clang on to the slender lead to ensure they were up 52-49 at the end of the third quarter.

Agosto coach Luis Magalhaos rested Adilson Baza and introduced Armendo Costa to ensure the back was safe and his side opened up a 10-point to win the match by 85-75.

Agosto will now represent Zone Six at the World Cup qualifiers to be held in Tunisia next month.
The finals, which were scheduled to be played today, were brought forward to allow the Angolans catch the flight back to Luanda yesterday.

Other teams from Mozambique and Zimbabwe were playing their classification matches yesterday while Zambia’s representatives Heroes Play United and Hetro Bullets were kicked out from the tournament because the Zambia Basketball Association had no money to pay participation fees.

By PHILIP ONYANGO

Kenya’s Eagles Wings put up a brilliant show but still went a head to lose 66-53 to ABC from Cort d’Ivoire in their opening match of the 14th Fiba Africa Cup for women clubs at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium on Thursday evening.

Wings, who are battling in a tough group A, could but still could not match the more skillful Cort d’Ivoire champions whose offense was a combination of well executed shots and refined post plays which Wings completely failed to stop.
ABC also overwhelmed the Kenyans with a well knit defence which was a combination of pressure and zone locking out the Eagles Wings main players among them national team vice captain Caroline Majeng, Eunice Ouma, Rebecca Serange, Maurine Andalia and Annastacia Njeri.
ABC led 18-15 in the first quarter and 36-30 at the break but were down by 16 points on the third quarter which they played badly trailing 10-20 before picking up in the last quarter which won 13-10.
Caroline Achieng and Eunice Ouma scored 12 and 11 points respectively to top score for Eagles Wings with other contributions coming from Bridgit Wanzala who made seven points and Rebecca Serange six and Evelyne Kedogo four.
ABC were lifted by F Amara and S, Abbady who scored 12 points each while P. Ngoy and S.Berte scored eleven points each.
Eagle Wings coach Thomas ‘Smarts’ Olumbo said his charges could have won the game if they did not panic early in the game and promised to make corrections in the next games.
“My players panicked and were never patient with the ball alowing our apponents who shot very well and had a good rotation very easy possessions”, Olumbo said.

In the last match of the evening, Primero de Agosto of Angola survived a big scare from First Bank of Nigeria winning 63-58 in the last minutes.

First bank who started the match as underdogs took the game to the Angolans and ensured they cancelled every basket their opponents scored with Veterans Udoka Mfon,Oselabi Funmilayo and Ekoromadu Joyce all members of the national team playing their hearts out.

Primero, with six national team players among them mother and duaghter Cardoso Angela and Masela Bokanuba,Ventrura Doluitila , Maurcicio Nacissela and Capinga Sofia were on the driving seat throughout this encounter which the Nigerians tied atleast four times.
Doluitila scored a game high 17 points while Angela and Nacissela scored nine points each for de Agosto.

APR of Rwanda signed its first win after beating KCC of Uganda 81 – 61 in the first game counting for the Group B day 3 of the 14th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for women at the Nyayo national Stadium Gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Uganda’s side of KCC started the game by wining the two first quarters (13 – 11 and 18 – 12) and reach the break with a 31 – 23 lead.
At the resume, APR led by Muhongerwa Jocelyne woke up and won the two last quarters (25 – 11 and 33 – 19) and won the game with 20 points margin.
The best scorer of the game was Muhongerwa Jocelyne of APR with 30 points followed by her teamates Sine Alice who poured 15 points. KCC’s side, Nakiwu Annet recorded 14 points while Hamala Miriam poured 13 points.
APR record its first win after two defeats against respectively KPA (43 – 44) and Desportivo (88 – 41)
KCC Leopards lost two games in row and will fight against CSA of Côte d’Ivoire tomorrow for Day 1 complete.

First Bank of Nigeria recorded its first win after beating today ABC of Côte d’Ivoire 57 – 50 in a clash counting for the day 2 of the 14th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for women, played at Nyayo national Stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
The players of First Bank, determinated to erase their defeat against Primero in the day 1, won the first quarter 16 – 6 but Ivorian’s side won the second 13 – 5 but trailed 19 – 21 at the break.
At the resume, First Bank led by Udoka increase their advance by winning the third quarter 21 – 15. The fourth quarter was very tight and finally won by ABC but not enough to avoid the defeat 50 – 57.
The best scorer of the game was Ekworaromandji Joyce of First Bank with 15 points while Udoka Mfon scored 11.
Berte Salimata recorded 13 points for ABC.

In the day 3 to be played tomorrow, ABC will face Radi of DR Congo while First Bank will fight against Eagle Wings of Kenya.

Djoliba AC of Mali beat Eagle Wings of Kenya 82 – 60 in its first game and counting for the day 2 of the 14th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for women, played at Nyayo national stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Djoliba won three of the four quarters including the first (22 – 13), second (18 – 10) and fourth (22 – 15) while Eagle Winds won the third (22- 20).
The best scorer of the game was M’Bengue N’Deye of Djoliba with 25 points while Bridgit Nanzala hit 12 points for Eagle Wings.

For the their first game of the competition, the girls of Djoliba recorded a victory and will fight against Primero de Agosto of Angola tomorrow in the day 3 then against KCC of Uganda on Sunday, 23rd November 2008 for the Day 1 complete.

Eagle Wings recorded two defeats and keep a date with First Bank tomorrow for the day 3.

Angola Primero Agosto beat Radi of DR Congo 75-53 in the first game of Group A day 2 games played at Nyayo national stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.

The winners got off to a bright start when Milcente Ostrida hit a baseline three pointer to set the game rolling but when Radi started to exerted pressure things changed dramatically as the Congolese who trailed 15-17 in the first quarter took charge.
Musau Kalondu basket saw them come back and take a 21-19 lead as stunned Angolans called a time out and regrouped regaining the lead at 25-26 on a Swiss by the ever dangerous Venturai Doulitila as they went to the breather with a 37-28 advantage.
Gadaupe Sonia led Agosto with 19 points, Osrida hit 18 and Mauriccio Nacisell and Francisco Isabel added 10. Radi had 20 from Nyota Muganea and 17 from Mussau.

KPA recorded an easy 73-41 win over Kampala City Council (KKC) of Uganda in their second Africa club championships game.
The Kenya national champions got their intentions clear from the tip after a sweet Yvonne Akinyi opener and never looked back in this encounter. KCC, playingf in only their first continental show drew their first basket from Carol Nantalo's three pointer.
KPA cruised to a 18-13 advantage at the end of the first quarter. KCC trailed 17-30 at the end of the half time.Carol Mureji shot took KPA further up with a basket 36-17 in the third quarter. After a poor performance against APR where they hanged on 44-43, the team played with purpose putting am much better show.
Evelyn Akoth swished a three pointer, hit a lay up as KPA opened up a huge 54-36 edge at the end of the last quarter. KCC, a last minute replacement for Sonatra of Madagascar, collapsed in the last quarter.Despite Juliet Nasabo and Becky Akulo.
Hellen Akoth three ponter saw KPA cruise to a 61-39 margin and Akoth shot made it 69-39 with 1:35 miniutes left to play.
Arato and Akoth led with examples hitting 15 and 14 points rspectively while Akinyi bagged another 11. Coach Anthony Ojukwu hailed her girs for a quick response saying they were nervous against APR and should keep up that tempo..
"We had butterflies against the Rwandese, nothing absolutely nothig right. But today the goirls responded with a brilliant dispaly today." he said adding they will continue to improve as the games progresses.

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

RESULTS
Results
Ndejje 66-54 Knight Riders
A-1 Chall’ge 24-50 UCU
Power 109-85 Falcons
November 25 (Game 2)
Livingstone v St. Michael
Knight Riders v Ndejje
Lady Canons v A-1 Challenge
Falcons v Power

Sadolin Power and Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons took a giant stride towards winning this year’s MTN-Fuba League championship following victories in game one of the best of five final series Wednesday night at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

Power routed defending champions Falcons 109-85, while Lady Canons humiliated 2005 women title winners A-1 Challenge 50-24.
“They branded us kids but we want to prove them wrong. We are going to take it one game at a time,” Power’s centre forward David Kiberu said.

Falcons boss John Ssimbwa admitted his team had performed below expectations. “They outplayed us today. They ran better and their teamwork was unbelievable. But let’s go back and work for the next game,” Ssimbwa said.

Isaac Afidra had a memorable night, scoring a game high 24 points for Power, Joseph Ikong added 22 and Allan Tawoda 12. In contrast, the Malinga brothers were locked out of the game with Henry posting 12 points and Eric only six for Falcons.

A-1 Challenge were simply out of sorts in game one. Flavia Oketcho top scored for UCU with 14 points with Frances Nabulobi contributing 10. None of A-1 Challenge players registered double figures.

by Pius Ayinor
Lagos

After brushing aside their opponents on Wednesday, Dolphins of Nigeria yesterday lost by 56-55 to CSA of Cote d'Ivoire in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers, which began in Lome, Togo on Monday. On Tuesday Dolphins had defeated Energie of Benin Republic 89-18 in the battle for final tickets to Kenya later this month.

But on a day that turned out not quite satisfactory for Dolphins, Nigeria's first representative to the competition First Bank beat the same Energie 84-36 to keep a clean slate. A day before that game the Nigerian Zenith League champions defeated UBC of Benin 82-34.
"We have prepared well for this event and we believe we will scale through to the Nairobi finals. We are looking towards Kenya positively," Shola Ogunade the assistant coach of First Bank told THISDAYSport before the ride though the borders.

In another match played on Day 3 of the championship ABC of Cote d'Ivoire defeated Etoile of Togo 87-16 in another of the many one-sided games being played in Togo.

The two Nigerian teams who made it to the final stage of the competition in Maputo, Mozambique last year are amongst other six teams contending for three slots for Africa Zone 3 in the Nairobi final play off.
Teams from Nigeria, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo and Ghana are participating in the competition. The Nairobi finals will hold from November 20th - 29th while the qualifiers in Lome will round off by the weekend.

By PHILIP ONYANGOPosted Thursday, November 20 2008 at 19:26

Kenya Ports Authority started the 14th Fiba Africa Women’s Club Championships on a winning note when they hit Rwanda’s APR 44-43 in a tough match at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday.

The win did not, however come easy as KPA struggled to contain the youthfull and swift Rwandese, who scored most of their points on fast breaks. The Kenyans took a 3-0 early lead but Shimba Hills High School forward Purity Adhiambo, playing for APR, scored two points as the scores stood at 3-2.
Caroline Arato made it five for KPA from an easy lay-up shot but Sine Ali scored two free throws to make it 5-4.The game continued to change hands, but it was KPA who enjoyed the early proceedings, at one time building a 12-points lead, courtesy of Joyce Makhungu, Irene Murambi, Yvonne Akinyi and Everlen Akoth, who had a good afternoon.

A last minute effort by Brenda Wasuda , Purity Adhiambo and Patience Ndandi saw APR close the gap as KPA led 24-19 at the break.Wasuda and Adhiambo combined for six points to tie the game 26-26 but Helen Oketch scored a lay-up to make the scores 28-28.

Unanswered points

After Adhiambo tied the scores 28-28 from free throws, KPA stepped up their game once again with Akoth and Makhungu combining for eight unanswered points for a 36-28 scoreline before APR put in more pressure for a 38-32 third quarter score.
The fourth quarter was tense as both teams exchanged the lead for 44-43 full time score.

Brandile Ndaya scored a game high 13 points while Purity Adhiambo contributed 12 points for APR while KPA were lifted by Yvonne Akinyi and Evelyne Akoth who scored 10 points each.Rwanda coach Kavedzifa Veceslav blamed the defeat on missed chances and a five foul on Patience which he says disorganised the players.

KPA coach Anthony Ojukwu though happy with the win said he did not expect such a strong challenge from Rwanda.

In a match played at the same venue earlier, defending champions Desportivo from Mozambique defeated V-Club from DR Congo 81-45.
The game saw both teams play minus three utility players each who were disqualified for non registration.

Kenyan Ports Authority (KPA) and Eagle Wings, the two Kenyan teams in the 14th Fiba Africa club championships for had mixed luck when the draw for the tournament was done Thursday.

While KPA celebrated what looks like an easy draw for them, Eagle Wings were cursing their luck after drawing former champions and last years runners up Primero de Agosto from Angola, Djoliba from Mali and First Bank from Nigeria in Group A. .
These three team are all considered giants in the Africa women’s basketball. The other teams in the group are ABC from Cote d’IVoire and Radi from DR Congo

KPA, who never been past the preliminaries in their four appearances at this championships, are in a relatively easy Group B which also has Kampala City Commission and APR Rwanda, teams which the dockers easily beat to win the Zone Five championships in Ethiopia a fortnight ago.

The other teams in group B are defending champions Desportivo from Mozambique, CSA from Cote d’Ivoire and V-Club from Democratic republic of Congo.KCC, who finished third at the zonal games in Ethiopia, were a last minute replacement for Sonatra from Madagascar who withdrew from the tournament at the last minute.

KPA head coach Sammy Wanjohi and sports officer Harrison Lusigi were happy with the draw. “This must be a very early christmas for us, Wanjohi said while Lusigi immediately predicted a semi final slot for the dockers.
“They will really battle it out to qualify from that group and any team emerging from that group will definitely be fatigued,” Lusigi said.

Coach Anthony Ojukwu however expressed caution saying they would tackle every game as it comes.“Yes we are in a relatively easily group, but who knows, things might change because this is basketball”, Ojukwu said.

Eagle Wings assistant coach Juma Kent could not hide his frustration saying his charges will have to work extra hard to make an impression in the group.
“Some of this teams have professional from Senegal and USA and have assembled almost the entire national teams from their countries. This coupled with the fact that our players are commuting from their homes complicates the matters for us”, he said.

Group A- Eagles Wings(Kenya) Primero de Agosto (Angola),First Bank (Nigeria), B Doliba (Mali), ABC (Cote d’Ivoire), and Radi (DR Congo).

Group B, Desportivo (Mozambique),KCC (Uganda), CSA (Cote d Ivoire), APR (Rwanda),V-Club (DR Congo), KPA( Kenya).
He has however predicted Eagles Wings will cause an upset..

by Paul Munyuki
Lusaka

THE going proved too tough for Zimbabwe's representatives at the Zone VI Men's Club Championships after both Raiderz and JBC finished their group stages without a win.
Having lost their first two games, Raiderz were beaten 62-85 by Heroes United Play of Zambia in their final Pool B match here yesterday.
JBC fell 43-72 to ASA of Angola.
The games were supposed to have been played on Monday night but the programme was disrupted by a power failure at Nasdec Sports Centre.
The two Zimbabwean teams finished bottom of their groups.
They will now take part in the positional playoffs with JBC dating Heroes Play of Zambia while Raiderz take on Hetro Bullets of Zambia.
Raiderz were missing the services of Duncan Shenje, who is down with malaria, in their match against Heroes United Play.

Norest Shenje top-scored for Raiderz with 17 points, Tapiwa Mugunyana added 10 points while Clement Kufeketa weighed in with 10.
But the duo of John Waitolo and Ntsent Mwewa scored 15 points apiece and led the Zambians to victory.

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

November 26
Warriors v UCU Canons
Livingstone v St. Michael
KIU Rangers v KCC

Kyambogo Warriors coach Peter Wandukwa has blamed injuries and questionable officiating for his team’s failure to make the ongoing MTN-Fuba League final play-off series. Warriors, losing finalists last year, bowed out at the hands of Falcons at the penultimate stage.
“Okias (Steven) and Gumisiriza (Brian) were struggling with joint problems. And when two of your best players are injured, the team always falls short on confidence,” Wandukwa said.
Okias (above), the team’s leading scorer, sprained his right knee and ankle as Warriors went down 65-74 in game one of the best of three semifinals while Gumisiriza has been struggling with a knee injury throughout the season.

Though Okias, a three-time league top scorer, played a mediocre part, Warriors recovered to win game two 85-73 but ran out of steam in the decisive encounter last Sunday.
“It was a loss with strings attached. The refereeing was very pathetic. Everyone at Lugogo witnessed that Falcons got away with many fouls,” Wandukwa, who doubles as a referee stated.

Warriors’ stars Jude Ochen and Joshua Etalu were ejected from the third game after accumulating five personal fouls, while Ronnie Kasewu, arguably the best guard in Uganda nearly came to blows with referee Hamza Nyabongo. Warriors will now face UCU Canons next week to decide who finishes third.

By PHILIP ONYANGO

The 14th Fiba Africa championships for women start at the Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium from Thursday with 12 teams in the draw.

By Wednesday, only the two teams from DR Congo had not arrived in the country but were expected later in the evening.

Kampala City Commission from Uganda, which was not in the original programme, were a surprise inclusion in continental championship.
They have replaced Sonatra from Madagascar who withdrew.
The Ugandans arrived Wednesday morning together with the Rwanda Patriotic Army (APR) who beat them 89-82 in the semi finals of the Zone Five club championships in Ethiopia a fortnight ago.

The Zone Five secretary, Vitalis Gode, could not immediately confirm which teams KCC had replaced but was categorical that they were here to compete like the rest.

Other teams CSA from Cote D’Ivoire, First Bank from Nigeria, Deportivo from Mozambique and Primero de Agosto from Angola arrived on Tuesday. The teams had an opportunity Wednesday to have a feel of the Nyayo Gym, venue for the championships.

First on the floor

The draw for the championships was due to be conducted last night to know the grouping and teams that will be first on the floor.

Kenya’s representatives Eagles Wings and defending champions Desportive have been separated and will each lead a group.“We will know the teams playing tomorrow after the draws but am sure at least one Kenya teams will be taking to the courts."
While the Kenya teams will be enjoying home support, another team expected to get huge support from Kenyans is APR from Rwanda who will have in their line up two Kenyan exports.

The two are Kenya under 18 star forward Purity Adhiambo, a form three student at Shimba Hills Secondary who transferred from Mombasa High and former Mombasa High school mate Brenda Wasuda. The two played crucial roles in Rwanda teams qualification in Ethiopia a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, Coca Cola Company has offered to give all fans and officials attending matches at the a free soda for the entire duration of the championships. Kenya Basketball federation treasurer Peter Orero said the sodas will be available at the gates and that everybody entering the gymnasium to watch the games will be entitled to a free soda each.

Orero said the gate charges will be Sh200 for VIP stands while the rest of the terraces will be Sh150.