LUANDA (Angola) - An inspired second half from Mozambique gave them a 50-44 victory over Angola in the first of two Zone 6 FIBA Women's AfroBasket games on Monday in Luanda, Angola.
Undeterred by the home crowd at the Pavilhao da Cidadela, the Mozambicans withstood Angola's challenge.
They also put themselves in a good position to secure a place at the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket in Côte d'Ivoire (25 July - 3 August).
Star player Ingvild Mucauro's 12 points (on 4/16 field goal attempts) and Carla Covane's 10 points (on 4-8 field goal attempts) were the difference for Mozambique.
Angola's dynamic guard Sara Caetano's 17 points and 12 rebounds helped keep Angola's hopes alive ahead of the final game of the two-legged series on Tuesday. The tempo of the game was as hot as the humid conditions in the Angolan capital, with the hosts leading by a single-digit margin (24-23) at the end of the first half.
Caetano led the way with nine points, including a three-pointer to level the score at 19-19. Despite Angola's lead, Mozambique dominated most facets of the game. The team in the solid red vests outscored their opponents 7-6 in turnovers, 9-2 in fast break points, 16-2 in points in the paint and 10-2 from the bench.
Mozambique got off to the quickest start with an 11-0 run in the third quarter. Covane's six points during the run gave the visitors a 35-24 lead.
It took a triple from Italee Lucas, a bucket and a lone free throw from Avelina Peso to stop the bleeding for Angola. Going into the final quarter, Mozambique led by five points (39-34) and the final minutes were a scrappy affair, but the visitors held on for the six-point win.
Mozambique go into the return leg knowing that they have a foot in the door and that another win (on Tuesday) will secure their place in the AfroBasket.
Angola, on the other hand, need to win by seven points or more to secure automatic qualification for the women's continental showpiece.
FIBA