DAKAR ( Senegal) - It is do-or-die for eight of the 12 clubs competing in the 2024 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) as the second round beckons.
The top two teams in each of the three groups and two best third-placed sides - based on point differential - will qualify to the Quarter-Finals Last while eliminated teams will play Classification Games.
So who has a chance to proceed?
GROUP A
Al Ahly SC face off with ASC Ville de Dakar for top place
The top two sides in the group are assured of a place in the knockout quarters as both are on four points and their clash is set to determine who qualifies as the group winner.
After wins against Cameroon's FAP and Nigeria's MFM Queens, the home side ASC Ville de Dakar, which has enjoyed massive support from the electric fan base at the Marius Ndiaye Arena, faces what could likely be their toughest test yet against Zone 5 winners Al Ahly Sporting Club from Egypt.
It is a match that has some interesting dynamics as the Egyptians have enjoyed the support of the fans too as the club is home to two top Senegalese talents, Ndioma Kané and Madjiguene Sene. The latter turned out for the hosts, leading them to the league title before switching to Al Ahly.
While her side has picked convincing wins 99-49 and 89-63 against MFM Queens and FAP respectively, the Moustapha Gaye-coached hosts struggled against the latter, winning by three (57-54). They played for 81-50 against the Nigerians.
ASC Ville de Dakar will bank on the prowess of 2023 champion with Alexandria Sporting Club Fatou Diagne who played only four minutes in their opening match against FAP. The 28-year-old is no stranger to Al Ahly SC, having played for the Egyptian champions in the 2023 league season, only moving to Alexandria for the African showpiece.
"It will be a tough match, they (Al Ahly) are a good side and have recruited well for this competition and we will have to be solid against them," Diagne said in response to playing her former side.
Battle for first win as FAP take on MFM
Opening Game-day 5's action is a clash between the two sides that are chasing maiden wins and a chance to grab one of the two third-place finishers to proceed.
The last time the two sides clashed was in the 2019 African competition when Cameroon's FAP carried the day with a 60-42 win.
The Ange Majolie-led side, third in the group, will hope to continue the legacy, powered by Americans Ionna McKenzie and Breanna Campbell as well as Olympian Adebola Adeyeye.
On their part, Ochuko Joy's MFM have their work cut out as they look not just to win but stack up their numbers to give themselves a chance. Cynthia Gbihi and Wandoo Marvis Hembam will be the go-to players as the side looks to end their winless run.
While FAP enter the final Group Phase's game with a -29 in point-differential, MFM registered a -81, an uphill task for the Nigerian. A large winning margin might bolster FAP's chances of advancing as one of the best two third-placed teams although they will need to wait for the outcome of Groups B and C.
IT'S ANYONE'S GAME IN GROUP B
Unlike in Group A, none of the four teams is assured a place in the second round as all are tied on three points after one win each.
Cote d'Ivoire's Friend's Basketball Association (FBA) who stunned star-studded APR from Rwanda 63-55 take on giant slayers CNSS from Congo DR's who subjected defending champions Alexandria Sporting Club to their first defeat (61-59) after a 15-0 run that saw them win back-to-back titles on the continent.
The holders face APR in the other match with the winners of the two matches getting an automatic slot to the Quarter Finals. It will also be a battle for top spot as the sides are separated by slight numbers. The Egyptian lead with +14, APR and CNSS on -3 and FBA fourth on -8.
Can Bintou Drame carry CNSS to victory again?
Malian Bintou Drame was the star of the show as the Koko Ade-coached Congolese side made history against the holders. The 20-year-old ran the floor with tenacity, shooting 6-of-17 on field-goals, missing just once from the free-throw line for seven more points to finish with 21. Despite being 171m (5'7'') she came two rebounds shy of a double-double against much taller Egyptian players and will be crucial for Ade's side.
"Our target is the Semis. However, we know we have to take it one match at a time. The win against the defending champions was a confidence boost for my side and as we play another tough match, we will bring the same energy and spirit to the game," coach Ade said after their exploits against Alexandria.
On his part, coach Lémou Benga says a good start will be key in this clash, arguing that it was the difference between winning against APR and the loss to Alexandria in the opening match.
The Senegalese national leading the Ivorian champions will rely on Malian-Ivorian international guard Sarah Berthé who has been the side's engine in the last two matches with power forward Amma Maria Flora Joyce Ouraga who has averaged 7.5 points and 6.5 rebounds, grabbing 10 against APR also key.
The match will see Grace Tolo, one of FBA's best rebounders go up against her former side, having led CNSS to the Quarters in last year's championship.
Who gets the automatic slot between APR and holders Alexandria?
As both sides look to get back to winning ways in the crucial clash, the numbers favour the defending champions 38.6% shooting on field goals against the Rwandase silver medalist's 29.1%. The latter, however, lead 28.6% against 25% on shooting from range with a better conversion rate from the free throws (69.2%-57.7%).
History favours Alexandria, having won their clash 89-68 when they met in the 2022 women's Cup. However, with different squads now the match comes down to which talents take their chances.
A star-studded APR has struggled to click, despite having WNBA star Kierstan Bell, former African MVP Italee Lucas, Olympian Shaina Pellington who is a mainstay for the Canadian national team and Malian small forward who played in the 2017 U19 Women's World Cup.
They take on an Alexandria Sporting side led by Hala Elshaarawy who last featured in the African competition in 2019 for rivals Al Ahly. She has averaged 14 points, 13.5 rebounds while playing at least 28 minutes. The side also has Olympian Ifunanya Okoro, an All-Star from 2022, who could propel them to victory should she bring her then form to the game. She has so far averaged five points and three rebounds. American Lianna Tillman and compatriot Kristen Spolyar will be crucial.
Head coach Amr Elmaraghy who admitted they did not deserve a win against CNSS while reaping his side for allowing 26 turnovers, nine more than in their opening win against FAP has called on his charges to do better with their ball handling and transition defensive.
FIBA