All-Kenya final in the offing as AWBL qualifiers enter final stretch

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Equity Bank Hawks go into the Africa Women Basketball League (AWBL) qualifier semis slated for Friday 3 November with the ticket to the continental championship in mind.

After six days of battle, four teams remain standing and are set to clash for a place in the final with the Hawks playing Rwanda Energy Group (REG) from 6 pm while KPA renews rivalry with JKL Lady Dolphins of Uganda from 8.30 pm in the two Semi-Finals.

Antony Ojukwu’s KPA are up first as they face a JKL side that pushed them to the wall when the two sides met in the group stage. KPA outscored the Ugandans 25-18 in the fourth quarter to win 82-72.

Equity, KPA through to AWBL qualifier semis

The Kenyan champions went 19-15, 16-18, 22-21, and 25-18 in the win, feasting off turnovers for a 22-10 points advantage, while their bench outscored JKL’s 35-14. The Ugandan side was, however, better in fast breaks going 19-12 while also getting 10 second-chance points, three more than the Kenyan side.

Out to reclaim the Zone Five title and qualify for the AWBL scheduled, tentatively, for December 11 to 19, 2023 in Egypt, KPA will be warry of Ritah Imanishimwe, Falvia Oketch and Hope Akello who scored 17,14 and 12 points respectively in the group stage match. Also, not to be ignored will be Brenda Ekone and Evelyne Nakiyingi who have done well in subsequent matches.

Ojukwu will rely on the experience of Natalie Akinyi and Hilda Indasi to manage the floor with Victoria Reynolds, Aminata Samassekou and Madina Okot leading the charge offensively. The latter has also been keen for the Dockers defensively with her rebounding prowess the coach is optimistic she will bring the same form to the last-four clash.

"We will neutralise them on their runs. Our defense will win us the game," Ojukwu stated.

Meanwhile, Hawks, the only side from pool A still in contention take on a REG side that finished second to KPA in pool B, losing only once in a 72-42 outcome to the Kenyan champions.

Going up against a tough Gladiators side in the quarters, REG overcame a slow start that had them trailing 19-13 in the first quarter to score 22-1 and head to the break with a 35-31 advantage. Second half quarters of 23-20 and 25-22 saw the Esperance Mukaneza-led side hold on for an 83-73 win.

Betty Kalanga and Rosine Mcomyiza combined for 48 points, with 24 each as Chelsea Jennings added 12 for the win. Mreille Nyota who has been crucial offensively for REG led the rebounding stats with 14. Based on previous matches, the quartet will be ones to watch against the Kenyan bankers.

Coach Beson Oluoch will heavily rely on Grace Malu who has performed at the top in this competition so far. The experience of Betty Kananu, skipper Melissa Otieno and the undeniable contribution of Vallary Kemunto will also be key.

1pm Vijana Queens vs APR

3.30 pm Nile Legends vs Gladiators

6 pm KPA vs JKL Lady Dolphins

8.30 pm Equity Hawks vs REG