The Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone 5 Qualifiers in Zanzibar have lived up to expectations, with the tournament’s top teams showcasing their skill and dominance. As the final group stage match approaches on Wednesday, pitting Uganda’s JKL Lady Dolphins against Egypt’s Al Ahly Sporting Club, anticipation builds to see who will claim the top spot and secure favorable matchups in the quarterfinals.
Equity Hawks Revive Quarterfinal Hopes
Kenya’s Equity Hawks delivered a commanding 87-48 victory over Tanzania’s Fox Divas to boost their quarterfinal chances. Finishing the group phase with a 2-1 record, they locked in second place in Group C. Despite a slow start, Equity quickly took control, going on a 22-point run to end the first quarter at 33-22. Judith Pantaleo led with 19 points, including 15 in the first half, while skipper Betty Kananu contributed 16 points. Equity’s strong second half, especially a decisive 18-5 final quarter, ensured the win. Fox Divas’ captain Jescal Julius and Assetou Traore combined for 30 points but were outmatched, as Equity dominated in paint scoring (58-16) and turnovers (21-5).
REG Remain Unbeaten with Dominant Display
Rwanda Energy Group (REG) maintained their unbeaten streak, cruising to an 86-34 win over Burundi’s Gladiators. REG established control early with a 20-2 start and continued their dominance across all quarters. Victoria Reynolds led with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, with contributions from Destiney Promise Philoxy (15 points) and Kristina Morgan King (11 points, 10 rebounds). Gladiators’ standout Francine Mukendi Tshimanga managed 17 points and 12 rebounds, but REG’s skill and depth were overwhelming, securing them the top spot in Group C.
APR Rout Hawassa City, Powered by Italee Lucas’ Triple-Double
APR from Rwanda delivered an emphatic 123-38 win over Ethiopia’s Hawassa City to top Group B. Italee Lucas spearheaded APR’s success with a triple-double, recording 17 points, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds. Shaina Pellington and Kamba Diakite added 25 and 21 points respectively as APR completely dominated the game. For Hawassa City, skipper Kuku Eshetu led with 12 points, but APR’s firepower was simply too much, finishing with an impressive 85-point margin.
Al Ahly Set New Record with a Century Win over Young Sisters
Al Ahly Sporting Club set a new record in the qualifiers with a 134-35 win over Burundi’s Young Sisters, their second century win of the tournament. Raneem Elgedawy led with 19 points, while Yara Hussein and Jayda Almasry added 15 each as Al Ahly’s balanced roster saw eight players hit double figures. Having defeated Vijana Queens 145-52 in an earlier match, Al Ahly continue to assert their position as Group A favorites, with only their final match against JKL Lady Dolphins left to determine the group standings.
JKL Lady Dolphins Extend Winning Streak
JKL Lady Dolphins continued their winning streak with an 87-55 victory over Zanzibar’s Vijana Queens. After adding four players to their roster, the Ugandan side controlled the game from the outset. Led by Keren Becky Longom, who posted a double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds, JKL surged to a 26-point halftime lead. Despite Vijana’s efforts to close the gap in the third quarter, JKL remained in control, sealing the win with a 26-14 final period. Brenda Ekone and Rita Imanishimwe added 14 and 15 points respectively, while Boke Juma and Taudencia Oluoch led Vijana’s scoring with 15 and 14 points.
As the quarterfinals approach, the WBLA Zone 5 Qualifiers continue to showcase top-level basketball, with the tournament favorites consistently proving why they’re the ones to beat.
