MONROVIA (Liberia) - The Semi-Final of the Zone 3 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Qualifiers is here with so much expectations and anxiety for the teams involved.
After the preliminary games that had seven teams split into two groups of A and B, four teams emerged for the Semi-Finals with FBA set to face Energie BBC while Nigeria sides Customs go up against fMFM.
The Samuel Kayon Doe Arena is expected to come alive with these games set on a work free day that will attract fans to the 2,000 capacity arena despite the elimination of home favourites Commissioners and Invincible Eleven.
FBA eye record setting win against Energie
Cote d'Ivoire national champions FBA is in high spirits following their two straight wins in Group B and they are not ready to let off the steam as they enter into this Semi-Final encounter against Energie BBC.
This is the first time FBA is participating in the Zone 3 Qualifiers and they intend to make an impressive impact going by the zeal the team portrays if the experience of Coach Lemou Pape Benga is taken into consideration.
Ahead of the game, Coach Benga gave his view thus: "The two teams have never met, the quality of the two squads promises us a balanced match. We respect our opponent even if we believe in our chances. To go to Dakar we must first win against Energie, which will not be an easy task."
Shooting guard Berthe Seran, while looking ahead to the game, says she is one who wants the game determined on the court. "I feel fully confident while respecting the opponent," she noted.
For Energie Captain, Kondoh Aishatou hopes to bring her experience into the game. As one that has had the opportunity of playing in France before rejoining the domestic league in her country, she is not one to shy away from any opponent.
"We have a lot on our hands as we face FBA. Our target here in Liberia is to get one of the two tickets to enable us to play in the Final Round in Dakar, Senegal. As much as possible, we don't disrespect any team and will give our best."
Customs, MFM in battle royale
In 2023, the Nigeria Customs team was responsible for the failure of MFM not making it to Alexandria, Egypt, venue of the inaugural edition of the Women's Basketball League Final Round.
Customs' win in Abuja during the Zone 3 Qualifiers was damaging for the winner of the Zenith Bank Women's Basketball League for that year despite defeating Customs in the final. Here in Liberia, the fixtures for the second Semi-Final have them pitched against each other again.
At the Nigeria final this year, MFM defeated Customs again but they have a chance to avenge that defeat and put to rest the ghost of the MFM dominating them.
Head Coach of the Customs Abdul Rahman Mohammed reacts this way when asked about his team's readiness.
"Obviously, it will be a very intense game, but we will win. We are a better team now, completely different and this game is a chance to make a second appearance that will be a great achievement for the organisation. It's our desire to win as a way to compensate the CGC for all the support he gave the team."
MFM on the other hand is taking nothing for granted as Wandoo Hembem explains her excitement in qualifying to this stage. "It's exciting that we qualified to the semi finals but I think it's another tug of war to face. The chances are still high yes, because we are the same MFM that fights to the end and never gives up. Getting to the semi finals is not by mistake; it's God's doing. We hope to correct the mistakes we made last time and play better this time around."
FIBA