What happened on Day 1 at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket?

 

KIGALI (Rwanda) - The opening day of the 2023 Women's AfroBasket in Kigali, Rwanda, has served the purposes of reigning African champions Nigeria, Mali, Rwanda while Cameroon hit a late stunner to shock Mozambique in the final match of the day.

The opening ceremony served as an interlude in the course of the day.

A colorful event, it showcased some of the stars of the Rwandan music scene, before the captains of the 12 teams participating in the 2023 edition of the FIBA Women's AfroBasket presented their colors to the audience gathered in the BK Arena.

FIBA.basketball brings you a recap of the competition's opening day.

GROUP B: CAMEROON SHOCK MOZAMBIQUE WITH LATE STUNNER

If there's one word to describe the final match of the day between Cameroon and Mozambique, it would be "intense".

The Cameroonians stunned Mozambique 55-53. It was the surprising result of the tournament so far as Mozambique emerge as one of the tournament’s favorites.

Monique Makani's late three-pointer sealed Cameroon's victory over Mozambique

The Central Africans took an early control on the game, leading 12-3 after five minutes. But the Guerreras rallied to pull back to within six points (16-10), before falling behind by eight at half-time (32-26).

The third period saw the Mozambicans come back to within three points (43-40), but they took control of the game with just 59 seconds remaining following a series of four successful free throws.

It took Monique Makani all she had of composure and skills to adjust the winning shot from behind the arc to give Cameroon their first win against Mozambique since the 2015 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.

GROUP A: RWANDA PUT ON A SHOW AGAINST COTE D'IVOIRE

Rwanda, hosts of the 2023 Women's AfroBasket, were determined not to miss out on their opening game. They did just that, cruising to an easy 64-35 victory over Cote d'Ivoire in Group A.

They got off to a cautious start (14-7), and managed to keep the Ivorians at a respectable distance, still leading by 7 points (28-21) at half-time.

Destiney Promise Philoxy

By the end of the third quarter, the case was already decided. With a 23-point lead (52-29) and taking advantage of the Elephants' slightest slip-up, they kept riding the wave with a hearty 24-8 run. The final quarter was a mere formality (12-6).

Buoyed by a small, enthusiastic crowd, the local team were also able to count on 18 points from Destiney Promise Philoxy. She also hit six of the eight free throws she was given. Janai Crooms Robertson's 11 points also helped the tournament hosts maintain their lead.

The hosts also held their own defensively, with 38 defensive rebounds. But it was Cote d'Ivoire who had the best offensive rebounding score, with 24 units. Interestingly, none of the Ivorians finished with a double-digit score.

GROUP C: N’DIAYE POWERS MALI TO VICTORY OVER UGANDA

2021 FIBA Women's AfroBasket silver medallists, Mali, had to put on a show talent to beat Uganda in their first Group C game, winning 80-66 thanks to the prowess of Djeneba N'Diaye, who scored 25 points.

Djeneba N'Diaye

Admittedly, Uganda had a few flashes of genius, notably through Jannon Otto, who scored 19 points and 7 rebounds.

But the Malians were able to respond to the Ugandan offensives, thanks to N'Diaye, who did a bit of everything claiming 25 points, 2 rebounds and 7 steals. Highlight: every one of her steals resulted in points for the West African team.

It was Uganda, however, who got off to the best possible start, 19-16 at the end of the first period. But the Malians regained their offensive efficiency after the break, scoring over 20 points in each of the three remaining periods to claim their first win in Kigali.

On a side note, Uganda’s head coach, Alberto Antuna, was ejected with over five minutes to go in the game after cumulating two technical fouls.

Earlier, Nigeria got off to a dream start with their victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo. They won 69-35 in the first Group D match of the tournament. Coach Bellarmin Tshibangu Sabwe's charges certainly gave them a run for their money. But the Nigerians proved too strong in the end.

FIBA