Rwanda’s U-16 girls’ basketball team secured their spot in the 2023 FIBA Africa U16 championships after a thrilling victory over Tanzania in the FIBA U16 Zone V African Basketball Championship qualifiers held in Kigali.
The win, with a final score of 66-65, marked Rwanda’s first triumph in the three-day tournament and earned them qualification to the prestigious event.
The qualification comes as a result of Burundi’s disqualification for fielding over-age players, allowing Rwanda to progress from the three-team group stages. The 2023 FIBA Africa women’s finals are scheduled to take place in Monastir, Tunisia, from July 13 to 23.
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Emlyne Iragena Mahoro emerged as the standout player for the Rwandan team, showcasing her skills with a game-high 20 points and 7 rebounds. Liliane Ingabire also made a significant contribution, adding 18 points and 8 rebounds to the team’s victory.
Tanzania’s Elizabeth Laizer fought valiantly, scoring 20 points and grabbing an impressive 23 rebounds, while Upendo Isaya Katamboi chipped in with 15 points.
The girls’ category featured three teams – Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania – competing in a round-robin format. Meanwhile, in the boys’ category, Rwanda finished in second place after a hard-fought match against Burundi, which ended with a score of 80-90.
Uganda secured the top spot in the boys’ category, ensuring their qualification for the 2023 FIBA Africa Under-16 Championships.
The successful qualification of both the Rwandan girls’ and Ugandan boys’ teams highlights the growing talent and potential of young basketball players in the region.
