Rwanda’s Women’s National Basketball Team stunned Lebanon with an 80-62 victory in their first game of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pre-qualifying competition, boosting confidence for their upcoming match against Argentina on Wednesday.
In the presence of Rwanda’s new Sports Minister Richard Nyirishema, FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave, and the President of FIBA Foundation Hamane Niang, Rwanda did not disappoint over 5,000 spectators at BK Arena, who were cheering them on in their first-ever game against a non-African team.
Rwanda, led by Bella Murekatete—back with the team for the first time since 2021—took full advantage of Lebanon’s fouls, sinking 18 of 19 free throws in the first half and going into halftime with a 45-36 lead.
In the third quarter, the host team elected to emphasize driving to the basket and controlling the paint, with Murekatete and Hampton driving aggressively, taking full advantage of key Lebanese foul trouble, including captain Rebecca Akl. The quarter concluded 20–12 in favor of Rwanda.
The home team continued their dominance in the last quarter, winning all four quarters of the game and becoming the first team to register a big victory in Groups C and D, which are being hosted in Kigali.
Murekatete led all scorers with 24 points, shooting 7-of-9 field goals and 10-of-12 from the line in her first appearance since the 2021 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers. Keisha Hampton scored 21 points, including nine three-pointers, while Sifa Ineza added 16 points.
They not only won all of the quarters, but they also dominated Lebanon in practically every aspect of the game. Rwanda outrebounded Lebanon 41-31, gained more points off turnovers (20-15), and scored 13 points in the fast break compared to Lebanon’s 8.
