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WBL-AQ: Ojukwu ready for APR test as Hawks face Fox Divas
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 28.10.24. | 11:09
The Kenyan side's are looking to qualify for the continental competition set for December in Dakar, Senegal
Coach Antony Ojukwu says his side's 128-36 victory against Ethiopia’s Hawassa City was a 'training session' for his charges as they began their hunt for a Women's Basketball League-Africa (WBL-Africa) slot.
This was the opening match for Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the Zone Five defending champions who are looking to bag a ticket to the continental showpiece, set for December in Dakar, Senegal, where they are the reigning silver medalists.
"This was like a training match for us. We wanted to get the momentum going and test out our preparations in a game setting even when we knew it wouldn't be competitive, and it was a good one. It prepared us for the second match," Ojukwu told Mozzart Sport.
Hawassa City were no match for the African silver medalists, and it was no surprise when KPA dominated in quarters of 32-10, 36-8, 29-6, and 31-12. Their charge was led by Alima Doumbia who rose for a game-high 24 points, coming two assists short of a rare double-double, adding four steals for 30 in efficiency.
Five other players managed double digits; Belinda Okoth was the second-best scorer, dropping 19 points and six rebounds, as Grace Irebu and Nkem Akariwe added identical 18 points and four rebounds show in a game that their side led for 36.26 minutes.
It will, however, be no walk in the park in their second clash where they face off with Rwandan league champions APR, who have roped in, among others, former African Most Valuable Player (MVP) Lucas Italee to help them qualify for the continental showpiece for the first time.
"We have a game plan to stop them. We will cut off their offense, disrupt their plays, and force them to play the way they are not used to. My defense, however, has to step up for us to execute well," Ojukwu offered.
Meanwhile, league champions Equity Hawks take on Rwanda Energy Group (REG) as the two sides chase a second win. Hawks won their opening match 73-51 against Burundi's Gladiators while the reigning Zone Five silver medalists picked a commanding 105-48 win against Tanzania's Fox Divas.
