DAKAR (Senegal) - It is down to the last four teams at the 2024 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) where a new champion awaits.
Former African champions Ferroviario de Maputo, 2019 bronze medalists Al Ahly Sporting, hosts ASC Ville de Dakar and wild card beneficiaries, competing in their second championship APR in contention.
Al Ahly SC face ASCVD challenge again
Egyptian champions Al Ahly Sporting Club admitted that the home fans startled them when they faced off with ASC Ville de Dakar (ASCVD) in the group phase, a match they eventually won 61-46.
As they face off with Moustapha Gaye's side at the 4800-seater Marius Ndiaye Arena that filled up for the home side's semis clash against Rwanda Energy Group (REG), the Egyptians have their work cut out.
They, however, carry a superior shooting advantage and are powered by home girls Ndioma Kané and Madjiguene Sene who led on both ends of the court in the group phase, the former scoring 19 while tying on 14 rebounds with Seen. What's more Al Ahly SC will have Reem Moussa who missed the first clash out with an injury.
"Our resolve is to be champions and we came here ready for that. We have to come with renewed energy and play defense which will be key in this game," Al Ahly's Nadine Mohamed said.
The home side will rely on Mali's Kamite Elisabeth Dabou and Found Sissoko who ran the show against REG on the Quarters. Former Al Ahly SC player who won the title in 2023 with Alexandria Sporting Club Fatou Diagne, should she be fit for more minutes could be crucial as will Fatou Pouye who led in rebounding in the Quarters with 11.
APR look to continue fairly tale run against Maputo
Charles Mushumba's APR got their revenge against Friend's Basketball Association (FBA) in the Quarter to storm the semis. They have a chance to reach their first African podium with former champions Ferroviario de Maputo standing in their way.
The trio of Shaina Pellington, Italee Lucas and Kierstan Bell as well as Kamba Yoro Diakite and skipper Charlotte Umugwaneza have run the show for the Rwandese side with coach Mushumba expressing confidence that they have what it takes to deliver, and they have.
"We have to be aggressive as the teams here are playing hard. We have to stop their transition and play as a unit as the competition level just go tougher," Umugwaneza who is captaining APR said.
However, against Nasir Salé-coached side Ferroviario, they face a side that has a deep bench that has distributed minutes almost evenly with several players rising to the occasion in the four matches played so far to remain perfect.
The Mozambique side's charge will be led by former African MVP Ingvild Mucauro who goes up against former teammate and MVP Lucas
"APR are a good side and have very talented players. We will have to get our game plan right as we now face much tougher competition. We faced the Quarters with this in mind and got to rest all players as much as we could. It will not be an easy match but we will be ready for everything they throw at us," coach Sale told FIBA.basketball.
FIBA