Basketball in Africa

KENYA cruised past Uganda in their opening basketball match played at the Nyayo Stadium yesterday.
Representing Kenya, United States International University of Africa women's team, hammered Uganda National University 63-55. Kenya's attack was led by the never-say-die Hilda Indasi, who slotted in the game's high of 20 points while compatriot Emma Nyakweba followed with 10 baskets. Uganda won the first quarter 14-10 but Kenya changed the tide seven minutes before the break after the introduction of inspirational Georgia Adhiambo. The move saw Kenya win the second quarter 28-25.
On resumption, both teams offered water-tight defence kind of game and settled the third quarter 8-7 in favour of Kenya. Uganda's captain Maurine Amoding and Claire Lamunu led in the attacks, scoring 16 and 14 points respectively while Sylvia Nakazibwe, Joy Chemtai and Immaculate Kyalisima put up solid defence in the back-line.
With Uganda leading 14-10 in the last quarter, Kenya called for a time-out to put their house in order and it indeed, this worked wonders. Cynthia Irankunda and captain Zipporah Odhiambo scored three and two baskets respectively to help Kenya take a 15-14 lead barely a minute after time-out. Irankunda was then substituted and replaced by Manuel Biel, who bolstered the attack to close the last quarter leading 27-23.
"It is good that we have won our first match and we look forward to do well in the rest of our games," said the elated Odhiambo.
In a tightly contested second match of the day, Egypt battled hard to beat fit Mozambique 57-55. The match was so tensed from the onset and aroused lots of emotions from both the players and the bench.
Mozambique trailed Egypt 13-17 in the first quarter but bounced back in the second quarter to lead the Pharaohs 28-25 at half time. In the third quarter, Mozambique lost 11 points through Cossa Ivan and Koko Sika, who failed to score when they had clear chances to garner points. The quarter ended 21-16 in favour of Egypt.
With six minutes to the final whistle, Egypt lost Karim Eldahshan to injury and was carried out of the field of play. He was replaced by the team captain, Ibrahim Abokhadha who then led the side to winning the match. With 30 seconds to go and tying at 54-54, Mozambique were awarded a free throw and garnered half a basket, to lead 55-54.
Abokhadha turned out to be Egypt's saviour when he scored from the centre line (three-pointer) in the last three seconds of the game to earn three points and elevate them to win 57-55. In the other women's match played at the gymnasium, Uganda crushed Mozambique 59-33.