WBLA 2024: APR Defeats ASCVD in Overtime to Secure Bronze Medal.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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December 16, 2024

Italee Lucas scored a game-high 30 points to lead APR to a third-place finish in the FIBA WBLA 2024.

The Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) Women’s Basketball Club narrowly defeated the hosts, ASC Ville de Dakar (ASCVD), 96-94, to finish in third place in the FIBA WBLA 2024, marking their first-ever continental podium finish.

On Sunday, December 15, APR stunned the hosts in Senegal to secure the bronze medal after a thrilling overtime victory.

APR got off to a strong start, taking a 12-point lead after the first period, 23-11. However, ASCVD mounted a comeback in the second quarter, cutting the deficit and leveling the score at 37-all by halftime.

Both teams exchanged leads in a back-and-forth third and fourth quarter (22-21, 23-24), and the game ended with an 82-82 tie after 40 minutes, sending the match into a five-minute overtime.

The overtime period was as close as regular time, with the game remaining tight until the final 4.3 seconds. APR’s Italee Lucas grabbed a defensive rebound, but ASCVD’s Elizabeth Dabou fouled her, sending Lucas to the free-throw line.

Lucas, an American-Angolan guard with an 82.3% free-throw percentage before taking the FTs, made both shots. The Senegalese team had one last chance to win, but their buzzer-beater three-pointer attempt missed, and the game ended 96-94 in favor of APR.

APR’s backcourt duo, Shaina Pellington and Kamba Yoro Diakité, played 45 minutes each, scoring 22 and 15 points, respectively.

Forwards Kierstan Bell and Italee Lucas also played heavy minutes, with Bell logging 41 minutes and scoring 24 points, while Lucas played 40 minutes and led all scorers with 30 points. Together, these four players combined for 91 of the team’s 96 points.

APR and REG, Rwanda’s representatives in the FIBA Women’s Basketball Africa League, struggled with unbalanced rosters in this tournament, forcing key players to spend nearly the entire game on the court.

On the other hand, REG suffered an 8-0 run in overtime against Côte d’Ivoire’s FBA, losing 47-55 to finish in sixth place, down from their fourth-place finish last season.

This is APR’s first-ever podium finish in the FIBA Women’s Basketball Africa League.

Ferroviário de Maputo won the FIBA WBLA 2024, marking their third continental title in history.

WBLA 2024: APR Advances to Semifinals, While REG Falls to the Hosts

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

December 13, 2024

APR Women BBC defeated Côte d’Ivoire’s FBA 59-49 in the quarterfinals of WBLA 2024 to secure a historic semifinal spot, while REG Women BBC lost to Senegal’s ASCVD in a heartbreaking comeback.

Rwanda’s flag bearers in the 2024 Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) produced mixed emotions on Friday night. APR’s hard-fought fourth quarter earned them a spot in the final four, while REG WBBC’s poor fourth-quarter performance cost them the game.

APR led FBA by a point after the first quarter, 14-13. However, the West Africans surged back, taking the lead in both the second and third quarters, 15-9 and 15-14, to establish a 6-point lead (43-37) before the final period.

Charles Mushumba’s APR fought back to score 22 points in the final quarter while limiting FBA to just 6 points.

Shaina Pellington fueled APR’s 59-49 win over FBA. The 25-year-old Canadian Olympian scored a game-high 21 points, with 13 of those coming from the free-throw line out of 16 attempts.

Kierstan Bell and Italee Lucas contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively.

This is the first time APR Women BBC has reached the semifinals of the African Club Championship. They will face either Senegal’s Jeanne d’Arc or Mozambique’s Ferroviário de Maputo in the semifinals tomorrow, Saturday, December 14, at Marius Ndiaye.

On the other hand, ASCVD knocked out Rwandan champions and Zone V runners-up REG in heartbreaking fashion.

The Rwandan team led after the first three quarters (18-8, 11-15, and 19-12), but it became clear that Julian Martinez’s team would struggle in the final quarter, as the Spanish coach only used six players in the game.

A dynamic and physical Senegalese team dominated REG in the final quarter, outscoring them 20-7 to force overtime.

In overtime, ASCVD, the home team that had rallied from a 13-point deficit in the final quarter, took advantage of REG’s struggle with only six players and outscored them 6-2 to clinch a 61-57 victory and advance to the semifinals.

REG WBBC failed to replicate their achievement from last season, when they reached the semifinals in Egypt.

ASCVD will face Egypt’s Al Ahly in the second semifinal game.

Volleyball: Unbeaten Police Top EAUR in 1st Phase Finale.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

December 13, 2024

Police VC eased past EAUR in straight sets to conclude the Rwanda Volleyball National League 1st Phase unbeaten.

The Rwanda National Police Volleyball team stunned East Africa University Rwanda (EAUR) 3-0 on Friday night under the floodlights of Petit Stade, concluding the league’s first phase with a perfect record.

Coached by Fred Musoni, the team triumphed over their seventh opponent of the season, showcasing their hunger for the Rwanda National League title, which they have never won.

In a fast-paced match against a tough opponent, Police VC overpowered EAUR with 25-19, 25-16, and 25-16, finishing the first phase with a flawless record from seven games.

In other Friday matches, Kepler stunned REG 3-1, while APR defeated RP Ngoma 3-0.
With today’s results, Police finished the first phase in a well-deserved top position, earning 21 points out of a possible 21. They won 21 sets and lost only 2.

Defending champions APR secured second place with 15 points. Kepler and REG both have 12 points, but Kepler, having won their head-to-head match today, claims third place due to the set ratio.

The second phase is set to begin next month, with Mamba Beach Volleyball tipping off next weekend, followed by the second round of the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour.

Mamba Beach Volleyball Unveils Novelties in Its Second Edition.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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December 11, 2024

The Mamba Volleyball Club Family is hosting its second Beach Volleyball Tournament from December 20-22, featuring both veterans and National League players, with new thrills aimed at strengthening the bond among volleyball enthusiasts in Rwanda.

Following last year’s successful expansion from non-professional athlete competition to include National League players, Mamba aims to bring former volleyball legends of all ages together to exchange ideas on the development of the game, with an emphasis on life after retiring from professional volleyball.

The Veterans’ tournament began on November 13 with the preliminary round, featuring 13 pairs to save time and allocate enough space for the professional pairs during the three-day event in December.

According to Dieudonné Nzeyimana, Mamba’s Secretary-General, registration for league-affiliated players is still open until the end of this week.

Nzeyimana also stated that the format for the National League players’ competition has not been determined yet, as they are still finalizing the number of pairs that will participate. He added that they want this year’s tournament to be highly competitive.

“We aim to organize a top-level beach volleyball event that will motivate participants to continue developing their talents. We plan to triple the prize money compared to last year,” Nzeyimana said.

Mamba has not specified the prize money yet, as discussions with sponsors and partners are still ongoing; however, some deals are expected to be finalized within the next three days.

The group stages for both men’s and women’s National League players, along with the quarter-finals and semi-finals, will take place on December 20-21 at two selected locations: Mamba Club Kimihurura and Green Park-Gahanga. The finalists in each category will compete on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Mamba Club Kimihurura.

The semi-finals and finals for the veterans will also take place from December 20-22, 2024, at Mamba Club Kimihurura.

The prestige of the Mamba Beach Volleyball Tournament 2024 will extend beyond the sand, with a special package available for volleyball fans attending the event.

Mamba and Green Park will offer special discounts on food and drinks, a professional DJ will entertain attendees, and there will be activities for kids, as well as other leisure sports

Reflecting on the previous edition, which marked the 15th anniversary of Mamba Volleyball Club and the beginning of the tournament’s expansion, the chairperson of the club, Mr. Christian Shingiro, emphasized that the love for volleyball should not end when professional players retire but should continue to spread and bring people together around the sport.

“We (Mamba) realized that the passion for volleyball should not stop at Kimihurura, where we are based, but should engage more people, including young talents, to stay focused and work hard to achieve more in their volleyball careers,” Shingiro added.

The chairman also stressed the importance of discipline and long-term vision in achieving success in any field. “No matter how much talent you have, discipline will make you last longer or cause you to quit soon,” he said.

On behalf of the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB), Secretary-General Philibert Mucyo praised the partnership with Mamba for this growing tournament.

“We want more athletes to compete in various competitions, and Mamba provides a significant solution. Not only are they organizing this tournament, but they are also helping us organize the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour Round 2, scheduled for January, and Round 3, which will take place in Rubavu in May 2025,” Mucyo said.

“This is a strong partnership between the federation and the game’s legends to advance efforts supporting beach volleyball in Rwanda,” declared SG Mucyo.

Mamba is a non-FRVB-affiliated club based in Kimihurura, composed of former volleyball and beach volleyball players, as well as passionate volleyball enthusiasts.

Members of Club Mamba are committed to supporting the development of beach volleyball in Rwanda and plan to launch a beach volleyball academy in due course.

REG WBBC stuns ASB Makomeno to secure their first win of WBLA 2024.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

December 9, 2024

REG Women BBC Secures First WBLA 2024 Win by Defeating DR Congo’s ASB Makomeno 83-51, Bouncing Back from Opening Game Loss.

Rwanda Energy Group (REG) bounced back from their opening game loss to Ferroviario de Maputo on Monday, December 9, defeating ASB Makomeno to improve to a 1-1 record and move up in the standings.

The Rwandan champions finished the first quarter trailing by one point (13-12), but they swiftly regained control and maintained the lead for the remainder of the game

Julian Martinez’s side dominated the remaining three quarters, outscoring the Congolese side 25-8, 18-10, and 28-20 to clinch a well-deserved win.

Center Ines Nezerwa delivered a stellar double-double performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. The Burundi-born player also contributed 2 assists and 6 steals in 31 minutes on the floor.

WBLA 2024 — Ines Nezerwa, also known as Giti, delivered a double-double performance.

Guard Rosine Micomyiza came off the bench to score a game-high 17 points, making 5 of 8 field goals—all from behind the arc. Destiney Promise Philoxy added 13 points and 9 assists, while Kenyan Victoria Reynolds was sidelined for the game.

Malian wonderkid Aichata Traore led the scoring for ASB Makomeno, putting up 15 points and 11 rebounds in her 30 minutes of play.

REG’s victory moves them into second place in Group C, behind Ferroviario de Maputo, who leads the group.

REG’s next game is against Senegal’s Jeanne d’Arc on Wednesday, December 11, at Marius Ndiaye. Both teams have the same win-loss record, and the winner will claim a spot in the top two and secure a place in the knockout stages.

The top two teams from all three groups will advance to the quarterfinals, while the two best third-placed teams will also progress to complete the eight-team knockout stage.

Makuto and Police VC Beat Kepler to Maintain the Top Spot in the Volleyball League.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

December 7, 2024

Eliphas Makuto inspired Police VC to beat Kepler 3-1, keeping them in first place in the Rwanda Volleyball League after Phase 1, Round 5.

Rwanda National Police VC overcame another league challenge on Friday night, defeating a strong Kepler team at Petit Stade to maintain the top position after Round 5.

Fred Musoni-coached Police opted to start South Sudanese player James Anchuil as an opposite hitter and sidelined Eliphas Makuto, resulting in a loss of the first set 25-22.

After Makuto was introduced later in the first set, the Kenyan international started the second set and shifted Kepler’s dominance for good.

The former Kenya Prisons player became a serious threat to Fidel Nyirimana’s Kepler, leading Police to claim the next three sets and secure the three points of the game.

Police outscored Kepler in the second, third, and fourth sets (25-18, 25-22, and 25-22), handing Kepler their third loss of the season.

The win marks Police’s sixth victory this season, keeping them unbeaten to date. They have defeated REG, APR, RP Ngoma, Gisagara, KVC, and most recently, Kepler, to claim the top spot in the standings.

The fact that Police have triumphed over direct opponents REG, Gisagara, APR, and Kepler shows they mean serious business this season.

In other matches, APR VC defeated REG 3-1, while RRA maintained their unbeaten streak, beating Police Women VC 3-2.

Makuto’s Police VC lead the standings with 18 points from 6 games. APR and Gisagara follow in second and third place, respectively. In the women’s category, RRA continues to lead with a perfect 6-0 record and 17 points.

Police Women VC follows in second place with 15 points, while APR sits in third with 13 points.

Rayon Sports Defeats Muhazi, APR Draws with Police Ahead of Key Derby.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

December 5, 2024

Rayon Sports beat Muhazi 2-1 to claim three points in their 9th consecutive win in the Rwanda Premier League, ahead of their clash with APR FC, who dropped points to Police FC.

Olivier Niyonzima netted two early goals on Wednesday night, extending the Blues’ winning run, while their rivals, APR, were held to a draw by Police FC at the same venue earlier.

Olivier Niyonzima ‘Seif’ broke the deadlock with a beautiful header from Hakim Bugingo’s well-taken free kick, giving Gikundiro an early lead in the 11th minute.

A few minutes later, Fall Ngagne, the league’s leading scorer, found the back of the net, but the first assistant referee, Said Ndayisaba, ruled the goal offside.

Rayon Sports continued to dominate the Eastern Province-based club, bolstered by the support of their fan base. For the results, Olivier Niyonzima, who is not usually a starter, doubled the lead with another brilliant header in the 25th minute.

Niyonzima scored once more with a header, this time from a perfectly delivered corner by Kevin Muhire.

With a 2-0 lead at the break, some of the Blues’ fans started to think about the next match. However, Emmanuel Ruremesha’s Muhazi team turned things around in the second half and put pressure on Rayon Sports.

Substitute Nicolas Kagaba pulled one back in the 56th minute, boosting the morale of the team, which was clearly dominating possession.

Robertinho shook up his bench and introduced Rogers Kanamugire and Adama Bagayoko to shore up the midfield and help contain Muhazi. The changes kept them in the game until the final whistle.

Rayon Sports’ unbeaten run has now reached 11 matches, though their streak of clean sheets ended at 8. Their strong form sets the stage for Saturday’s highly anticipated clash against APR in the 1000 Hills Derby.

Earlier at the same venue, APR drew 1-1 with Police FC in a “security entities battle.”

Abedi Bigirimana put Police ahead 10 minutes after kick-off, before Aliou Souane leveled the score in the same half.

The army team should have scored a second, but Onesime Rukundo saved Mamadou Sy’s penalty.

The draw hurt APR, who are still chasing the leaders, Rayon Sports. They remain in fifth place with 18 points from 9 matches.

Gikundiro moved 9 points clear at the top of the standings after their 9th consecutive win, bringing their total to 29 points from 11 matches.

AS Kigali holds second place with 20 points, having played the same number of matches as Rayon Sports.

These Wednesday results set the tone for Saturday’s derby, and the question now is: “Will the defending champions APR stop the high-flying Rayon Sports in front of a packed Modern Amahoro Stadium?”

Rendez-vous, Saturday, December 7, 6 PM.

Ndizeye’s Kriol Star beat Urunani to qualify for the BAL 2025.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

December 2, 2024

BAL — Ndizeye trying to get past Landry Ndikumana.

Rwandan international small forward Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba helped Cape Verde’s Kriol Star beat Urunani 90-82 in the semi-final of the Road to BAL Elite 16, securing their maiden Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualification.

NAIROBI – Rwanda national team skipper Dieudonné Ndizeye scored 21 points in the crucial semi-final of the Road to BAL Elite 16, propelling Kriol Star to realize their dream and become the first-ever Cape Verdean team to qualify for the Basketball Africa League.

Kriol Star had to rally back from a 9-point halftime deficit (18-12, 19-16) to mount a dramatic comeback against the highly rated Burundian champions.

Ndizeye and McGlynn came in the second half determined to turn the tide and make history in Cape Verdean basketball. They started shooting from behind the arc to trim the deficit and take a 3-point lead (60-57) before the final quarter.

Kriol Star continued where they left off in the fourth quarter, scoring 30 points while conceding 25.

The final score, 90-82, sparked jubilation for Joel Almeida and his teammates, who were emotional after making history.

BAL — Ndizeye and Almeida expressed their emotions at the end of the game

Patrick McGlynn scored a game-high 35 points on 8-of-19 field goals, including 7-of-12 from three-point range. The American guard also went 12-of-14 from the free-throw line.

Dieudonné Ndizeye contributed 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals in the game.

Senegalese guard Jean Jacques Boissy scored 33 points for Urunani. Mouhamed Doumbia and veteran Landry Ndikumana each had double-doubles: Doumbia with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Ndikumana with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Kriol Star’s journey has been incredible. After finishing last in the first round of the Group A West Division, the Cape Verdean champions earned a wild card for the Road to BAL East Division Elite 16. They then defied the odds to reach the final and qualify for the Basketball Africa League 2025.

In the other game, hosts Nairobi City Thunder defeated Uganda’s City Oilers 72-62 to secure their spot in the BAL for the first time.

Kriol Star, along with Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya), clinched the last two slots from the East Division to join Stade Malien (Mali), Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Al Ittihad Alexandria (Egypt), US Monastir (Tunisia), ASCVD (Senegal), APR (Rwanda), FUS Rabat (Morocco), MBB (South Africa), and Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) to complete the 12 teams that will compete in the Basketball Africa League 2025.

Rwanda Wins Silver at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2024.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

December 1, 2024

Rwanda’s men’s team secured second place at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2024, finishing behind hosts Madagascar. Olivier Turatsinze earned a spot on the Team of the Tournament, while the women’s team finished fifth.

Rwanda’s perfect run at this year’s continental tournament in Antananarivo was ended by Madagascar, who dominated the final with a 22-3 victory

During the three-day event, which began on Friday, November 29, Rwanda impressed with a perfect record in their first five games, defeating every opponent in their path.

Moise Mutokambali’s coached team overcame the Central African Republic, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria, and Benin, defeating all of them in under 10 minutes of playing time, to set up a final against Madagascar.

However, in the final, the team, consisting of Olivier Turatsinze, Justin Uwitonze, Chandelier Cyiza Twizerimana, and Patrick Ngabonziza, was outclassed by Madagascar, who had the Palais des Sports de Mahamasina crowd behind them.

In just 5 minutes and 30 seconds, Madagascar sealed the game, handing Rwanda a heavy 22-3 defeat and securing their second gold medal in the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup, following their first in 2022.

Madagascar’s Livio Ratianarivo led the scoring chart with 53 points, earning him the MVP accolade. Alongside Ratianarivo and Algeria’s Chakib Sedoud, Olivier Turatsinze was named to the Team of the Tournament.

Turatsinze had an outstanding performance, finishing as the third-highest scorer in the tournament with 49 points (8.2 PPG) and topping the free-throw chart.

Madagascar defended their home turf, winning the women’s competition as well by defeating Egypt in the final. Madagascar’s Christiane Jaofera was named MVP, joining Egypt’s Habiba Mohamed and Kenya’s Christine Akinyi in the tournament’s Best 3.

Rwanda’s women’s team finished fifth with one win in three games. They defeated Comoros but lost to Kenya and Benin.

The FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2024 was the 6th edition of the tournament, and Rwanda participated for the second time. Rwanda’s first appearance was in 2022 in Egypt, where they claimed a bronze medal in the men’s category.

Unstoppable Rayon Sports Crushes Vision FC in Style.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

December 1, 2024

Rayon Sports won 3-0 against Vision FC, making it eight straight wins without conceding a goal in the Rwanda Premier League.

Rayon Sports thrashed Vision FC on Saturday, November 30, not only to remain unbeaten but also to secure their eighth consecutive win with clean sheets.

The match kicked off with Rayon Sports hungry for a goal, with the majority of Kigali Pelé Stadium backing them as if it were their home. In-form forward Fall Ngagne, arguably the best striker in the league, opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a free header from Iraguha’s well-placed cross.

The captain, Kevin Muhire, tallied another assist, this time to Hadji Iraguha, who finished it off just before the halftime whistle, giving Gikundiro a 2-0 lead at the break.

Fall Ngagne scored his second of the match in the 76th minute, following a clever combination with substitute Adama Bagayoko. This goal marked Ngagne’s sixth of the season, and he has now scored in three consecutive matches.

Bagayoko should have added a fourth goal in the 89th minute, but his thunderous left-footed strike hit the crossbar. The match ended with a dominant performance from Rayon Sports.

Rayon Sports has dominated since match day 3. After back-to-back draws in their first two matches, they have now won eight consecutive games without conceding a single goal.

This impressive run has propelled Robertinho’s Rayon Sports to maintain the top spot in the league, with a six-point lead over second-placed AS Kigali, ahead of their upcoming clash with APR this Sunday at KPS.

Umunsi wa 11 usigaje imikino ibiri iri bukinwe kuri iki Cyumweru.

Urabona iri burangire gute?#RwandaPremierLeague #RPL pic.twitter.com/OJqDRNma02

— Rwanda Premier League (@RwandaLeague) December 1, 2024

Fall Ngagne’s six goals top the scorer’s standings, and Rayon Sports’ next Rwanda Premier League assignment is against Muhazi on December 4 at KPS, before they face archrivals APR next Saturday at Amahoro Stadium.

WBLA 2024: APR Defeats ASCVD in Overtime to Secure Bronze Medal.

The Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) Women’s Basketball Club narrowly defeated the hosts, ASC Ville de Dakar (ASCVD), 96-94, to finish in third place in the FIBA WBLA 2024, marking their first-ever continental podium finish.

WBLA 2024: APR Advances to Semifinals, While REG Falls to the Hosts

APR Women BBC defeated Côte d’Ivoire’s FBA 59-49 in the quarterfinals of WBLA 2024 to secure a historic semifinal spot, while REG Women BBC lost to Senegal’s ASCVD in a heartbreaking comeback.

Volleyball: Unbeaten Police Top EAUR in 1st Phase Finale.

Police VC eased past EAUR in straight sets to conclude the Rwanda Volleyball National League 1st Phase unbeaten.

Mamba Beach Volleyball Unveils Novelties in Its Second Edition.

The Mamba Volleyball Club Family is hosting its second Beach Volleyball Tournament from December 20-22, featuring both veterans and National League players, with new thrills aimed at strengthening the bond among volleyball enthusiasts in Rwanda.

REG WBBC stuns ASB Makomeno to secure their first win of WBLA 2024.

REG Women BBC Secures First WBLA 2024 Win by Defeating DR Congo’s ASB Makomeno 83-51, Bouncing Back from Opening Game Loss.

Makuto and Police VC Beat Kepler to Maintain the Top Spot in the Volleyball League.

Eliphas Makuto inspired Police VC to beat Kepler 3-1, keeping them in first place in the Rwanda Volleyball League after Phase 1, Round 5.

Rayon Sports Defeats Muhazi, APR Draws with Police Ahead of Key Derby.

Rayon Sports beat Muhazi 2-1 to claim three points in their 9th consecutive win in the Rwanda Premier League, ahead of their clash with APR FC, who dropped points to Police FC.

Ndizeye’s Kriol Star beat Urunani to qualify for the BAL 2025.

Rwandan international small forward Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba helped Cape Verde’s Kriol Star beat Urunani 90-82 in the semi-final of the Road to BAL Elite 16, securing their maiden Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualification.

Rwanda Wins Silver at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2024.

Rwanda’s men’s team secured second place at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2024, finishing behind hosts Madagascar. Olivier Turatsinze earned a spot on the Team of the Tournament, while the women’s team finished fifth.

Unstoppable Rayon Sports Crushes Vision FC in Style.

Rayon Sports won 3-0 against Vision FC, making it eight straight wins without conceding a goal in the Rwanda Premier League.

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