CAIRO (Egypt) – Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) continued its excellent start in the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA), recording a second victory in as many matches thanks to a big 82-53 success against former champion First Bank.
In this duel between teams returning to the competition, the Kenyans – absent in 2024 – dominated each quarter to inflict on the Nigerian club, which returns after six years of absence, a second defeat in Group B.
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“I am convinced that this team can go all the way” – Aminata Samassekou
Malian leader Aminata Samassekou and American center Alexus Johnson guided the team led by Nabil Kabalan to victory, with 20 and 19 points respectively, both posting an evaluation of 22.
Samassekou, who had only scored two points when the 2023 vice-champions entered the fray – an 83-64 success against FAP from Cameroon – showed a completely different face, just like Johnson, eliminated for five fouls after only 11 minutes and four points in the first match.
The Malian had only scored three points in a first quarter closed at 19-13, but she broke free in the second act, connecting two winning shots and a mid-range shot to bring the score to 27-14 in two minutes.
Midway through the quarter, she already totaled 12 points before giving way to Natalie Mwangale, author of two assists and a basket, then Samassekou returned to conclude the period by offering an assist to Sara Dickey for an important three points. KPA then led 45-24 at the break.
The leader was again decisive after returning from the locker room, allowing KPA to overcome a difficult start to the third quarter: an interception converted from long distance, then a transition punctuated by a lay-up launched by Johnson allowed the Kenyan champions to reach the 50-point mark (50-24).
Until then limited to four points in 26 minutes, the American caught fire, adding nine points in a third quarter won 19-13. She finished the game with six extra points, including her only game-winning shot in seven attempts, becoming her team’s second-highest scorer.
Samassekou finished 7/9 shooting, adding three free throws to complete his stat line. She also contributed 4 rebounds, 3 interceptions and 3 assists in a sparkling performance. Johnson, solid inside (5/9), narrowly missed a double-double, with two fewer rebounds, but distributed five assists and intercepted two balls. The duo, supported by Dickey (15 points), launched KPA perfectly.
Aminata Samassekou told FIBA.basketball: “It was a good match for us. We respected the coach’s plan and, although our start was not ideal, we made the necessary defensive adjustments. This allowed us to run and our shots fell. We also played together, constantly helping each other, and I am happy with this victory. We have two wins and I am convinced that this team can go to the end. But we take it game by game. For now, the goal is to finish the group stage well.”
FIBA
