Gazelles: First Training Session Ahead Of The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023

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July 26, 2023

Yesterday, July 25, 2023, the Uganda Women’s National Basketball Team, the Gazelles, was flagged off for Kigali in preparation for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023 at the ONOMO hotel.

On June 16, 2023, the women arrived at the ONOMO Hotel to begin their training camp. Since then, they have been holding workouts at the MTN Arena Lugogo. On July 20, 2023, they played a select team from the National Basketball League in a practice game, winning 78-61.

The team also held its first practice session on yesterday, Tuesday night at the LDK Court in Kigali. The Gazelles hope to win the prized trophy this time around under the guidance of their Spanish head coach, Albert Antuna, anxious to atone for their narrow defeat in the 2021 competition.

“Our initial training session in Kigali is now finished. Everyone is fit and prepared for Friday’s competition. A few offensive and defensive situations were reviewed during the brief session. We’ll continue to work through Friday during the coming few days,” said head coach, Albert Antuna.

“This is the third time that Uganda is having the privilege of being in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket and this is the time that we have had the best preparation. We have had time together as a team, time to bond, and proper training. We call out to our fans, Kigali is only 8 hours so come and support the Gazelles,” Gazelles captain Flavia Oketcho.

With Mali and Senegal as opponents in Group C, the Ugandan team will enter the competition as underdogs but will be optimistic about pulling off a few surprises.

The 27th-ranked country in the world, Mali, is preparing for another exciting season in the continental tournament.

However, the Gazelles will not tolerate complacency and will strive to leave their imprint on the 2023 Afrobasket Women’s Championship. They are driven and hungry to triumph.

After successfully hosting the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket in the men’s category and three Basketball Africa League finals, preparations are in full swing as Kigali will welcome another international Basketball event, FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.

Final Gazelles Squad

Evelyn Nakiyingi
Flavia Oketcho (C)
Lydia Babirye
Brenda Ekon
Rita Imanishimwe
Priscilla Abby
Janon Otto
Hope Akello
Jane Asinde
Melissa Akullo
Claire Lamunu
Maria Najjuma

Rwanda’s U-16 teams land back in Kigali

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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July 25, 2023

Rwanda’s U-16 National Teams, boys and girls, flew back to Kigali on Tuesday afternoon from Tunisia, where they placed fifth in boys and seventh in girls in the recently ended African Championships.

The Rwandan delegation was received cordially by their families upon their arrival at Kigali International Airport and the journalists were eagerly waiting for the participants.

Speaking on behalf of the players, Sean Williams Mwesigwa, who had a stellar performance at the FIBA U16 African Championship, averaging 18.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, spoke with us about the tournament and how he evaluates his performance.

“The tournament was very physical, it was very fun to play in, it was very physical. Everybody was really good, and very high competitiveness. It was really fun to play in.”

He added “It [performance] was pretty good. I feel like I did well. I feel like I could have done better in some games. I got hurt in the first game. I didn’t really feel like myself after. But I feel like I did pretty well and got to lead my team and do the right thing” said the team captain.

The 15-year-old also emphasized what they lacked that prevented them from reaching the semi-finals.

“The way we moved the ball was just a little sloppy. You can kind of tell by the beginning of the game we would start slow back in the games, it is kind of too late. That’s when we would finally get to understand the team and start to play better.”

Mwesigwa, the team’s leading scorer, also reveals where he needs to improve based on what he learned throughout the competition.

“I’m used to the less physical game and a lot more scoring. These guys are used to more team ball, which is something that I definitely stick away from my experience being here. So, yes, that’s what I would say the difference is. So that’s something I definitely picked up from my teammates and something I’ll take back with me when I go back to the States.”

Mwesigwa currently plays for Varsity high school team in Texas. during the 2023 FIBA U-16 African Championship, Rwanda’s journey ended in the quarter-finals following a 94-78 defeat against Egypt. Thus, they had to continue playing classification games.

It was a painful evening for Habiyaremye’s squad, who were vying for a place in the World Cup. A target they should have fulfilled if they made the final.

When addressing the media, coach Patrick Habiyaremye urged the national team officials that the group would still be taken care of and make sure that the preparations for the next tournaments start earlier

“We didn’t make it to the semifinals or qualify for the World Cup, but we finished fifth. It wasn’t easy, and for us, the results aren’t disappointing.”

“We only need to make a few minor adjustments, which will allow us to return to the tournament [U18] more competitively if we plan ahead, get all the kids there on time, and have time to harmonize the game.”

In the classification games, the team led by Patrick Habiyaremye beat Morocco by a tight score of 77-76. Two days later, they defeated Côte d’Ivoire 74-62 to take fifth place.

Guinea stunned Egypt in the final to win the boys’ championship. While in girls, Mali clinched the eighth title in a row.

There is little question that the finest outcomes for the boys came from the introduction of Rwanda’s second division in basketball, where the bulk of U-16 boys players are presently participating.

The girls’ journey has not been easy; after dropping five games in a row, they overcame Guinea in the classification game and place seventh overall

In an interview with Moise Mutokambali, the Basketball National Technical Director, he detailed the girls’ dismal performance as well as their plans to improve and thrive at the international level.

National Technical Director, Moise Mutakambali

“Locally, the girls’ teams aren’t making much progress; we need to put forth more effort, stay up with the schools’ competition, and go further into development.” Said Mutokambali

He continued; “The boys’ level has risen mostly as a result of the second-tier league that we established. That’s why we intend to launch another competition for girls, focusing on schools of excellence. We’re working on it, and we started by instructing the coaches at the schools who will help us raise the girls’ level.”

Meanwhile, In Cape Verde in 2019, Rwanda also came in fifth place, their last appearance in the FIBA U16 African Championship after missing the previous edition in Egypt.

In two years, the teams will be back on the international stage competing at the under-18 level.

Kigali is in full gear for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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July 24, 2023

Kigali is in full gear for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2023. — Kigali's BK Arena will host the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2023

After successfully hosting the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket in the men’s category and three Basketball Africa League finals, Preparations are in full swing as Kigali will welcome another international Basketball event, FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, in less than 4 days.

With the countdown to the highly anticipated FIBA Women’s AfroBasket coming down to the wire, The preparations are in top gear for the 28th edition due to begin on July 28, 2023. The organizers, protocols, and security personnel are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a flawless and secure atmosphere for Basketball lovers across the continent to witness Africa’s highest-level Women’s basketball tournament.

Speaking to Landry Jabo, the Project and Partnership management consultant at Rwanda Basketball Federation, he emphasized that the preparations are well advanced and almost done.

He said; “Final preparations are well underway and nearly complete, only a few details remain to be dealt with, but we expect to have them lined up before tomorrow”

Kigali’s BK Arena, the renowned and state-of-the-art venue that has hosted every major basketball tournament on the continent, is getting a substantial makeover in preparation for this prestigious event. The 10,000-seat Arena, completed in 2019, is set to host a fun-filled mix of basketball and entertainment events.

Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, will draw attention from the continent. The competition is expected to draw close to 500 athletes, coaches, federation representatives, and officials excluding supporters. hence It will endure for about ten days. What does the hosting nation have in store to ensure that visitors have a pleasant stay in the most welcoming country?

“We will provide a welcoming environment for basketball fans, full of fun and entertainment,” stated Mr. Landry Jabo from local organizing committee

He added; “Basketball and entertainment are inextricably linked. We’ll have a variety of acts performing. Every day, an artist and DJs will warm up and amuse the audience.”

“The opening ceremonies will include a breathtaking spectacle on August 28th, and the tournament will conclude on August 5th with another amazing entertainment event.”

He continued “We scheduled training for sports photographers and training for basketball technicians, among other activities planned but related to basketball, in order to broaden our grasp of the game.” declared Jabo

Furthermore, online services, digital products, and tourism through Visit Rwanda have been put in place, eagerly anticipating the arrival of participants from around Africa for a 10-day stay in the land of a thousand hills.

Hence, Tickets may be purchased solely through the online platform TiCQet

The best 12 national teams in the continent compete in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, the continent’s biggest women’s basketball competition, which is held every two years. From July 28 to August 6, 2023, Kigali, Rwanda, will be the site of the event.

While Nigeria is the reigning champion, Senegal won it 12 times. In the previous edition in Cameroon, Nigeria defeated Mali in the final game, where Cameroon finished third.

The 12 participating nations in Kigali are Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, Cameroon, Mali, Mozambique, Guinea, Senegal, Uganda, Nigeria, Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

At the time of publishing, Senegal and Mozambique had already arrived in Kigali. 9 other teams are due to arrive starting this evening, the deadline is July 27th.

The defending champions, Nigeria, will face DR Congo in the opening game on July 28 at 11:30 Central African Time.

Rwanda bowed out of U-16 African Championship after losing to Egypt

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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July 21, 2023

Rwanda’s U-16 African Championship campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals as they were defeated by Egypt 94-78 on Thursday Night at Salle Mohamed Mzali in Monastir, Tunisia

Rwanda started the game on a bad note, losing balls and missing simple shots, which the opponent exploited to propel Habiyaremye’s side to a 13-2 lead in the opening five minutes.

Following a timeout requested by Rwanda, the tactics were adjusted and worked out as they dropped 15 straight points right away, allowing them to conclude the first quarter with a two-point lead, 22-20.

Egypt opened the second period with an 11-point run and grabbed control of the game, shooting from everywhere and outscoring the Rwandan team 27-12, heading into the half-time break with a 13-point lead, 34-47

A Patrick Habiyaremye-coached team came out in the third period with an attacking mentality to attempt to lessen the gap, however, the Egyptians resisted and kept the difference in double digits. In this quarter, the Rwandans scored 24 points compared to Egypt’s 21

Egypt continues to outperform the Rwandan team in the fourth quarter, outscoring them 26-20 to win the game 94-78 and put an end to the Rwandan’s quest for silverware.

In this game, Egypt converted nearly half of their 80 field goal attempts. They made 39 of 80 field goals, whereas Rwanda attempted 79 and only succeeded on 28.

Rwandan Kenrik Kabano had 21 points. Joseph Nshimiye added 17 points, Sean Williams Mwesigwa and Juru Cedrick Ntigurirwa contributed 13 and 12 points respectively.

Omar Essam Abdelhamed Hassanin Soudy led Egypt with 18 points.

the Rwandan team will play Morocco in a classification game tomorrow, while Egypt progresses to the Semifinals, where they will face Mali on Saturday.

Guinea will rub shoulders with Angola in another semi-final clash

Eric Ndayishimiye “Bakame” hangs his gloves

By

Ground Sports

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July 18, 2023

Eric Ndayishimiye better known as BAKAME, the legendary APR FC, Rayon Sports, Atraco FC and Amavubi goalkeeper, has announced his retirement from Football

On July 17, 2023, Bakame posted a note on his Instagram page announcing his retirement from football. Putting an end to his playing career and paving the way for a coaching career

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bakame Jean Luc (@bakamejean)

“This is the end. I’d want to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me during my long and difficult career as a goalie in several clubs (Amavubi, J.S.K, AS Kigali, Atraco FC, APR FC, Rayon Sports, AFC Leopards, Police FC, and Bugesera)” said Eric Ndayishimiye

Eric Ndayishimiye continued: “I’d also like to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey.” Coaches, players, managers, fans, and my family who have supported me through the ups and downs of my playing career. I truly apologize for where I went wrong.”

“My career as a football player is coming to an end. I am grateful to the Almighty GOD for his guidance over the years.”

Bakame, 32, formerly played for Renaissance (J.SK) and Les Citadins before the two clubs merged to create AS Kigali. Later, he played for Atraco FC, APR FC, Rayon Sports, AS Kigali, and AFC Leopards in Kenya’s Premier League.

He last played for Police FC and Bugesera FC.

Eric Ndayishimiye (black) served the country on several occasions. | Photo: IGIHE

During his fantastic playing career, Bakame won the league title with Atraco FC in 2009, APR FC in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and Rayon Sports in 2017. The Rwandan custodian also won the CECAFA Kagame Cup twice, first with Atraco in 2009 and then again with Army side, APR FC, a year later.

He left a legacy in his wake as He and Mohamed Mossi (Rayon Sports in 1998) are the only Rwandan goalkeepers to win the CECAFA Kagame Cup outside of the country. Bakame and Atraco won the 2009 Kagame Cup by defeating El Merreikh 1-0.

Bakame is likely to succeed Charles Hakizimana “Macali” as Bugesera goalkeeping coach. Ground Sports wishes this legend a prosperous coaching career as he did on the field.

AfroCan: Rwanda receives’ heroes welcome at Kigali International Airport [Photos]

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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July 18, 2023

Rwanda’s Men’s National Basketball Team receives a hero’s welcome at Kigali International Airport after reaching the AfroCan Semifinals and winning the bronze medal in a basketball championship concluded in Luanda, Angola.

July 18, 2023, Officials from the Ministry of Sports, the Rwanda Basketball Federation, and athletes’ families greeted and garlanded the Rwandan team upon their arrival at Kigali International Airport. Rwanda made headlines on Sunday after beating DRC 82-73 to claim the bronze medal in the second edition of the FIBA Africa Cup of Nations, AfroCan.

Rwanda, The Zone 5 flag bearers landed safely in Kigali, Tuesday early morning, after an admirable performance in the second edition of FIBA AfroCan 2023, placing third behind Côte d’Ivoire, first runner up, and Morocco, the champions.

Rwanda’s run to the semi-finals and bronze medal was the country’s greatest ever in Africa Basketball. Speaking with the tournament’s best three-point shooter and team captain, Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba praised the teamwork as the key factor in achieving that milestone

“I would say that the trip went well; we had a good championship and claimed a third place for our first appearance in the competition.”

“In the competition, we have been learning from our mistakes, growing in the competition even though he didn’t make it to the final” said the captain Ndizeye

Ndizeye, also known as Gaston, went on to thank his teammates for working together to help him fulfil his personal goals, such as finishing the tournament best three-pointer and earning a position in the tournament’s best five.

“I’d want to thank my colleagues for their cooperation during this competition; without them, I would not have been able to do what I did. They assisted me and gave me confidence.”

Yves Murenzi, the championship’s interim coach, emphasized how tough the competition was and praised the importance of Rwanda’s captains and icons, Kenneth Gasana and Aristide Mugabe in instilling team chemistry and a positive attitude in the locker room.

During the completed 2023 AfroCan, Aristide Mugabe, the retired and long-serving captain, in addition to Kenneth Gasana, the current team captain but sidelined due to an Achilles tendon, were members of the coaching staff.

Rwanda, alongside Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are all assured seats in the 2027 AfroCan competition since they finish in the top four in 2023 AfroCan

PHOTOS: FERWABA

AfroCan: Rwanda outclass DR Congo for third place

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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July 16, 2023

gaston — Rwanda's Ndizeye dribbles past Kasasa Bob during Rwanda vs DRC matchup in 2023 AfroCan | Photo: FIBA

***Following setbacks in the FIBA AfroCan semifinals on Friday, two East African* *countries, Rwanda and DRC, returned to fight for the Bronze medal with Rwanda triumphing***

LUANDA, July 16, The Rwandan National Basketball Team claimed third place in the 2023 AfroCan after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 82-73. Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba lit up the scoreboard once more, scoring 22 points.

DR Congo versus Rwanda game is a rivalry for players who know each other since DRC has three players that ply their trade in Rwanda, namely captain Manga Pitchou, Espoir Aganze, and Rolly Fula, as well as Kasasa Bob and Mike Kazunguzibwa who played in the Rwanda Basketball League.

Rwanda outscored DRC 12-9 in points from turnovers, 22-20 in fast break points, 18-12 in second-chance points, 40-38 points in the paint, and 28-20 points from the bench. With these key statistics, Rwanda defeated DR Congo for the second time since an 82-68 victory in the 2021 AfroBasket.

The third-place game was followed by the championship game between Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco, with Morocco winning by a two-point margin, 78-76.

2023 AfroCan winners, Morocco | Photo: FIBA

During the closing ceremony, DRC’s Manga Pitchou was named top rebounder, Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba won the best three-point shooter, and Evariste Shonganya claimed the top scorer award.

Kevin Franceschi, MVP was joined in the All-Tournament squad by his Moroccan colleague Jihad Benchlikha, Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba (Rwandan), Mike Fofana (Côte d’Ivoire), and Evariste Shonganya (DRC).

According to the competition’s regulations, as the semifinalists, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, and the DRC are all guaranteed spots in the 2027 AfroCan competition.

The AfroCan is a quadrennial FIBA Africa event held two years after the AfroBasket. It is intended for African players who play in Africa, with the exception of two players who play beyond the continent, and the competition’s purpose is to give local players more exposure.

AfroCan: Rwanda come up short to Côte d’Ivoire in the Semi-Final

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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July 15, 2023

Rwanda suffered another late setback, ending their campaign in the Semifinals as Côte d’Ivoire came from 12 points behind to defeat them and proceed to the 2023 AfroCan Finals.

Friday, July 14, 2023, Rwanda led Côte d’Ivoire for almost the entire game until succumbing in the last 48 seconds.

Rwanda began on a high note with back-to-back three-pointers from William Robeyns and Nshobozwa, but Côte d’Ivoire responded with a strong three-point defense that held Rwanda to a score of 12 points, demonstrating that Rwanda’s offense relies on long-range shooting and their ability to drive into the paint is limited. As a result, the first quarter finished 13-12 in favor of Côte d’Ivoire.

Ntore Habimana came off the bench in the second quarter and seized control of the game using his ball-handling, fixing, and distributing skills to feed the balls to Ndizeye, who did not disappoint. Within 5 minutes, the Rwandans had a 10-point advantage then headed into the halftime break leading by 8 points, 37-29.

In the third period, Rwanda made 7-of-10 three-pointers with Dieudonné Ndizeye hitting four in a row. Côte d’Ivoire was clearly struggling with Rwanda’s long-range shots, as they only managed one shot out of twelve tries, while Rwanda was making it rain, 9-16.

Doh Kone-coached side controlled the paint in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to zero until 2:25 minutes when Ntore Habimana was reintroduced on court, responding with a crucial long-range shot to give Rwanda a three-point advantage, 50-47.

Within 1 minute on the clock, in offensive transition, Ntore assisted his captain Ndizeye to expand the advantage to 6 points, and the third quarter concluded 55-49.

Côte d’Ivoire began the final quarter with a commendable attitude, narrowing the deficit to two points until Ndizeye committed an unsportsmanlike foul, and the opponent didn’t mess up, forcing them to equalize the score at 57.

Within the last five minutes, Robyens and Ntore Habimana nailed back-to-back three-pointers to regain the six-point lead.

The Ivorians did not lay down their weapons since they were aware that they were being overpowered in practically all of their games in this tournament yet still managed to win them. In money time, they reduced the deficit once more to even the score at 65.

Robeyns hit another long-range shot to make it 68-65, but the Elephants trimmed the margin for good and forever. Mike Fofana’s three-pointer gave them the lead for the first time with 48 seconds left. 70-68

With 16 seconds left on the clock, William drew a foul behind the arc and converted three free throws to give Rwanda a one-point lead, 71-70.

Côte d’Ivoire requested a timeout for the last possession, and after the timeout, Kendal Gray committed a foul, giving Côte d’Ivoire two free throws, which Siré Dieng converted all of to put Côte d’Ivoire up once more. 72-71

Rwanda asked for another timeout to capitalize on the final possession, but Nshobozwa missed a game-winning shot. Then, the Rwandans had to commit a foul to stop the time, but it didn’t work as Mike Fofana hit both free throws to make the score 74-71.

Côte d’Ivoire secured a hard-fought victory with a strong defense in the last four seconds.

There are no doubts that poor game management cost Rwanda another game in this tournament, but it is understandable given that Rwanda’s head coach, Dr. Cheikh Sarr didn’t make it Luanda since He is currently preparing the women’s team for the upcoming FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.

Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba’s 24 points, 12 points, and 10 rebounds double-double from Kendall Gray were not enough for Rwanda, as the Côte d’Ivoire trio of Mike Fofana, Zamba Camara, and Lionel Kouadio combined for 54 points in the triumph.

the Rwandans will battle DR Congo for a bronze medal tomorrow, while Côte d’Ivoire will face Morocco in the 2023 AfroCan finals. All games are being held in the Kilamba Arena.

East African Countries learn their fate in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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July 14, 2023

The African countries’ drawings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been released. In a revised FIFA tournament structure, seven East African countries find out *their fate.***

The draw took place on Thursday, July 13, in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, and was overseen by Confederation of African Football director of competitions Samson Adamu, as well as Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan and former Cote d’Ivoire international Emmanuel Eboue.

54 countries will compete to qualify for the global football showpiece, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America. And most EAC members have never qualified for this major football event, with only the Democratic Republic of the Congo making it in 1974.

Burundi’s swallows will take on the Harambe stars of Kenya in the East African derby following a draw made during the CAF annual session. Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, and Seychelles round up Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Tanzania’s national football team, the Taifa Stars, must overcome Morocco, Zambia, Congo, and Niger in Group E if they are to compete in the World Cup for the first time.

Amavubi of Rwanda have been grouped alongside South Africa, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho in Group C, while Uganda cranes have been pitted against the likes of Algeria and Guinea in the group G alongside Mozambique, Botswana, and Somalia

DR Congo and Senegal are set to clash as the Leopards and Teranga lions are drawn in the same group. However, they must overcome a significant challenge in Group B, which includes Mauritania, Togo, Sudan, and South Sudan.

For the first time in tournament history, the World Cup in 2026 will feature 48 teams.

With new qualification structure, the nine groups will play in a home-and-away round-robin format, with the group winners qualifying automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the four best group runners-up competing in a play-off stage for a possible African 10th slot in the 2026 World Cup.

The African qualification series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in November 2023.

Full draw:

Group A: Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Djibouti

Group B: Senegal, Congo DR, Mauritania, Togo, Sudan, South Sudan

Group C: Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Lesotho

Group D: Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Angola, Libya, Eswatini, Mauritius

Group E: Morocco, Zambia, Congo, Tanzania, Niger, Eritrea

Group F: Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Kenya, The Gambia, Burundi, Seychelles

Group G: Algeria, Guinea, Uganda, Mozambique, Botswana, Somalia

Group H: Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Malawi, Liberia, São Tomé and Príncipe

Group I: Mali, Ghana, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Comoros, and Chad

AfroCan: Rwanda upset the host country to advance to the semi-finals.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

July 13, 2023

Nshobozwabyosenumukiza scored 22 points as Rwanda rolled past Angola 73-63 in the quarterfinals of the FIBA AfroCan.

LUANDA, July 13, the Rwandan side delivered a statement on its way to the FIBA AfroCan semifinals by surprising the host country Angola in front of their supporters at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda.

After Mozambique was expelled on this Wednesday by Rwandans, A team led by Dieudonné Ndizeye as a captain, also shut down Angola’s potent offensive attack, and hung on for a wholly unexpected trip to the semifinals.

Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza scored 22 points in this game on 6-of-18 shooting while Ntore Habimana added 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Nshobozwa’s performance was unapparelled as he added 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 6 steals in 33 minutes spent on court.

In their maiden AfroCan participation, The Rwandan team will face Côte d’Ivoire in the semifinals tomorrow, while Angola will rub shoulders with Tunisia in a classification game.

In another semifinal encounter, Morocco will face the reigning champions DRC.

Gazelles: First Training Session Ahead Of The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023

Yesterday, July 25, 2023, the Uganda Women’s National Basketball Team, the Gazelles, was flagged off for Kigali in preparation for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023 at the ONOMO hotel.

Final Gazelles Squad

Evelyn Nakiyingi
Flavia Oketcho (C)
Lydia Babirye
Brenda Ekon
Rita Imanishimwe
Priscilla Abby
Janon Otto
Hope Akello
Jane Asinde
Melissa Akullo
Claire Lamunu
Maria Najjuma

Rwanda’s U-16 teams land back in Kigali

Rwanda’s U-16 National Teams, boys and girls, flew back to Kigali on Tuesday afternoon from Tunisia, where they placed fifth in boys and seventh in girls in the recently ended African Championships.

Kigali is in full gear for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023.

After successfully hosting the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket in the men’s category and three Basketball Africa League finals, Preparations are in full swing as Kigali will welcome another international Basketball event, FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, in less than 4 days.

Rwanda bowed out of U-16 African Championship after losing to Egypt

Rwanda’s U-16 African Championship campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals as they were defeated by Egypt 94-78 on Thursday Night at Salle Mohamed Mzali in Monastir, Tunisia

Eric Ndayishimiye “Bakame” hangs his gloves

Eric Ndayishimiye better known as BAKAME, the legendary APR FC, Rayon Sports, Atraco FC and Amavubi goalkeeper, has announced his retirement from Football

AfroCan: Rwanda receives’ heroes welcome at Kigali International Airport [Photos]

Rwanda’s Men’s National Basketball Team receives a hero’s welcome at Kigali International Airport after reaching the AfroCan Semifinals and winning the bronze medal in a basketball championship concluded in Luanda, Angola.

AfroCan: Rwanda outclass DR Congo for third place

***Following setbacks in the FIBA AfroCan semifinals on Friday, two East African* *countries, Rwanda and DRC, returned to fight for the Bronze medal with Rwanda triumphing***

AfroCan: Rwanda come up short to Côte d’Ivoire in the Semi-Final

Rwanda suffered another late setback, ending their campaign in the Semifinals as Côte d’Ivoire came from 12 points behind to defeat them and proceed to the 2023 AfroCan Finals.

East African Countries learn their fate in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The African countries’ drawings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been released. In a revised FIFA tournament structure, seven East African countries find out *their fate.***

AfroCan: Rwanda upset the host country to advance to the semi-finals.

Nshobozwabyosenumukiza scored 22 points as Rwanda rolled past Angola 73-63 in the quarterfinals of the FIBA AfroCan.

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Yesterday, July 25, 2023, the Uganda Women’s National Basketball Team, the Gazelles, was flagged off for Kigali in preparation for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023 at the ONOMO hotel.

Final Gazelles Squad

Evelyn Nakiyingi Flavia Oketcho (C) Lydia Babirye Brenda Ekon Rita Imanishimwe Priscilla Abby Janon Otto Hope Akello Jane Asinde Melissa Akullo Claire Lamunu Maria Najjuma

Rwanda’s U-16 National Teams, boys and girls, flew back to Kigali on Tuesday afternoon from Tunisia, where they placed fifth in boys and seventh in girls in the recently ended African Championships.

After successfully hosting the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket in the men’s category and three Basketball Africa League finals, Preparations are in full swing as Kigali will welcome another international Basketball event, FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, in less than 4 days.

Rwanda’s U-16 African Championship campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals as they were defeated by Egypt 94-78 on Thursday Night at Salle Mohamed Mzali in Monastir, Tunisia

Eric Ndayishimiye better known as BAKAME, the legendary APR FC, Rayon Sports, Atraco FC and Amavubi goalkeeper, has announced his retirement from Football

Rwanda’s Men’s National Basketball Team receives a hero’s welcome at Kigali International Airport after reaching the AfroCan Semifinals and winning the bronze medal in a basketball championship concluded in Luanda, Angola.

Following setbacks in the FIBA AfroCan semifinals on Friday, two East African countries, Rwanda and DRC, returned to fight for the Bronze medal with Rwanda triumphing

Rwanda suffered another late setback, ending their campaign in the Semifinals as Côte d’Ivoire came from 12 points behind to defeat them and proceed to the 2023 AfroCan Finals.

The African countries’ drawings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been released. In a revised FIFA tournament structure, seven East African countries find out their fate.

Nshobozwabyosenumukiza scored 22 points as Rwanda rolled past Angola 73-63 in the quarterfinals of the FIBA AfroCan.

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Evelyn Nakiyingi
Flavia Oketcho (C)
Lydia Babirye
Brenda Ekon
Rita Imanishimwe
Priscilla Abby
Janon Otto
Hope Akello
Jane Asinde
Melissa Akullo
Claire Lamunu
Maria Najjuma

***Following setbacks in the FIBA AfroCan semifinals on Friday, two East African* *countries, Rwanda and DRC, returned to fight for the Bronze medal with Rwanda triumphing***

The African countries’ drawings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been released. In a revised FIFA tournament structure, seven East African countries find out *their fate.***