DAKAR (Senegal) - Day Two of the 2024 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) witnessed four matches across the three groups with some scintillating action at the Marius Ndiaye Arena in Dakar, Senegal.
Here is a recap of a match-day littered with close calls, edge-of-the-seat encounters and some dominant performances.
APR JOIN SPORTING AT TOP OF GROUP B
CNSS impress against star-studded APR, but come up short
Rwandese silver medalists, who fielded a star-studded squad that includes WNBA star Kierstan Bell, were put to the test by Congo DR's CNSS who are making their third consecutive appearance in the continental showpiece, going for a clutch 73-68 win.
"This was a tough game but we tried to play hard and came back. They dominated us on the paint and on rebounding and it took teamwork to win this one. The first win is key as it gives us momentum going forward. We will make adjustments where necessary and come back stronger," Assouma Uwizeye who bagged a double-double for APR with 10 points and as many rebounds said.
A second quarter rally for the Congolese silver medalists, who dominated the paint 46-26, saw them outscore APR 21-13 to tie the game at 23 points, assume lead at 28-26 before heading to the halftime break ahead (30-28).
A 26-15 third quarter for the Rwandese side, making a comeback to the continental stage since their debut in 2022 where they went 0-6, changed the tide in their favour. However, the never, say die Koko Ade-coached fought for 23-19 in the final stanza, APR shooting from range to keep their lead for their first victory in the continental competition.
"We fought to match APR but I think we had respected them a little too much and that affected our execution. This match has helped us see areas that we need to perfect on as we head to the next match against Alexandria Sporting Club," Koko Ade.
GROUP C GETS UNDERWAY WITH MAPUTO AND JEANNE D'ARC ON TOP
Ferroviario Maputo get the better of REG
Five of Ferroviario de Maputo's players registered double digits on points as their side survived a Rwanda Energy Group (REG) second half comeback attempt to pick a 78-74 opening win.
The Nasir Salé-coached side held their biggest lead at 50-38 in the third quarter, but the Rwandese side rallied from behind to come close at 54-52 and again at 72-70 but could not get the job finished as the former African champions held on for victory.
While REG rebounded better (47-38) to go 20-11 on second chance points, they were dominated 38-28 on the paint, 17-9 on points off turnovers and 20-02 on fast breaks, the Mozambique's side's bench also running the numbers for 30-10 for the win.
"We are happy to win the opening game. We were a bit nervous as we thought we would do better in this game. We had seen REG in the qualifiers and knew they have some amazing players and had a plan. We defended their best players well but the biggest difference was that we played as a team especially under pressure. We hope to keep the same mindset and momentum going as no match will be easy," Ingvild Mucauro, Ferroviario forward.
"We were not able to match up Ferroviario's intensity and that was the biggest difference today," Julian Martinez, head coach REG.
Second half rally hands Jeanne D'Arc first victory
Home side Jeanne D'Arc, who landed a wild card a day to competition, replacing the no-show Customs from Nigeria opened their campaign with a 57-34 win over Congo DR's ASB Makomeno.
The first three quarters were closely fought (19-14, 12-10, 9-7) but the Senegalese pulled away in the final one for 17-3 to win.
Mbarka Diop and Ndeye Yacine Fall combined for 32 points, both picking four boards with the former, who led the scores with four more providing three assists for 19 in efficiency.
"Putting a team together in 48 hours is not easy. We, however, played as a team and getting the win was important. We will regroup and try to play better in the remaining group matches and see what happens going forward, anything is possible," Diop said.
AL AHLY SC OBLITERATE MFM IN GROUP A'S ONLY GAME OF THE DAY
Egypt reigning champions recorded the day's largest win margin by obliterating Nigeria's MFM Queens 99-49 to get their Group A campaign underway.
Nadine Mohamed picked up from where she left in the Zone Qualifiers, top scoring for Al Ahly Sporting with 22 as three other players hit double digits. The Nigerian were dominated 52-14 in the paint in match two of their players contributed 35 of the side's 49.
"We arrived this morning and the players have not rested or trained, but it is no excuse, we could have done better. We did not contest their shots and we're slow on our feet to defend some easy baskets they scored. We made some silly mistakes that we have no excuse for, but we will be better in the next match," coach Ochuko Joy Okworogun.
"We wanted to have a tough start and announce ourselves in the competition and we played good offense and defense and were able to keep the score up the entire time," Nadine Mohamed , Al Ahly guard.
FIBA