In the electrifying opening game of the 2023 African Women’s Basketball League qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) emerged victorious, defeating Uganda’s JKL Dolphins with a final score of 82-72.
The action-packed match took place at the iconic BK Arena Kigali. KPA, last year’s runners-up, took an early lead in the first quarter, with a score of 19-15. However, the momentum shifted in the second quarter, with JKL Dolphins gaining the upper hand by leading 18-16.
Following a brief halftime break, KPA demonstrated their resilience and determination by narrowly clinching the third quarter, ending with a score of 22-21. The decisive fourth quarter witnessed KPA extending their lead, finishing with a score of 25-18, ultimately securing their victory.
Coach Anthony Ojukwu praised the performance of his team, saying, “The ladies did well to win it. It’s one game at a time.”
The standout players for KPA included Hilda Luvandwa and Victoria Reynolds, each contributing 18 points, while Medina Okot added 16 points, and Aminata Semassekou scored 13. On the opposing side, Rita Imanishime led the JKL Dolphins with 17 points, accompanied by veteran Flavio Oketch with 14 points and Hope Akello, who managed to score 22 points.
Meanwhile, in the local league, Ulinzi Warriors secured a victory over Platinum Eldonets in a game played in Eldoret. Stephen Simiyu led the soldiers with 17 points, and James Omweno contributed 11 points for the hosts.
At Nyayo Stadium gymnasium, Kenyatta University Pirates faced a challenging match against Umoja, trailing 32-26 but ultimately losing 55-52 in a closely contested game.
In the women’s league, Strathmore University Swords triumphed over Storms with a final score of 62-49. Additionally, TH3 Swish dominated University of Nairobi Dynamites, winning convincingly with a score of 74-33.
Notably, in the Lower Division, Moischers blanked Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University with an impressive 84-41 victory. Safe Spaces claimed a resounding win against KCA, securing a 61-16 victory in the women’s encounter.
