AfroBasket 2021: False start for Lioness against hosts Cameroon

The national women’s basketball side, Kenya Lionesses kicked off their FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2021 with a 74-50 defeat to hosts Cameroon leaving them needing nothing short of a win when they face Cape Verde on Sunday.

Marina Ewodo was the top performer, finishing the game with 16 points and seven assists while Mercy Wanyama had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. 

First-quarter 21-17

Kenya started the game like a house on fire racing to a 5-0 lead courtesy of a three-pointer from Equity guard Melissa Akinyi and a basket from Wanyama.

Cameroon, however rallied back into the clash and executed their three-pointers well through Miesha Alexandria with Ewodo also causing trouble to Kenya.

Lionesses went into the first quarter break trailing 21-17 as they missed a number of lay-up shots with Cameroon punishing them after turnovers.

Second-quarter 39-33

Cameroon resumed the second quarter from where they left from as they kept the scoreboard ticking slowly pulling away from the Lionesses.

Celine Okumu, however chipped in with vital three-pointers that made sure the George Mayienga-led side stayed within touching distance of the hosts.

Cameroon went into the halftime break with a 39-33 lead with the Lionesses doing their best to go into the interval trailing by six points.

Ewodo had an impeccable first half scoring 10 points, four rebounds and one assist while Wanyama who plies her trade with Spanish side recorded eight points courtesy of four rebounds. 

Third-quarter 65-39 

Lionesses struggled in the third quarter as they have historically done, posting a paltry six points on board as they slumped and put in a tepid performance.

Dunlcy Funkam bagged her double-double 14 points and 11 assists as she toyed with the Lionesses and weaved into the curve to hand Cameroon vital points to pull clear of Kenya.

Marguerite Effa and Ewodo were in a class of their own in the third quarter as they tormented the Lionesses in the paint. 

Fourth-quarter 74-50

The final quarter was a low scoring affair with both sides showing some signs of fatigue and Cameroon taking their foot off the peddle after amassing a healthy lead.

With the win Cameroon have already secured a place in the knockout phases of the tournament while Kenya have all to do in the Sunday clash against Cape Verde.