Today Group B Somalia Vs Burundi 12:30p.m Group A S. Sudan vs Kenya 7p.m Egypt vs Rwanda 9:15p.m Monday Group A Rwanda 76-60 Kenya Group B Uganda 94-72 Somalia Sunday Group A Egypt 87-76 South Sudan The national basketball team has got off to a flying start at this year’s FIBA-Africa Zone V championships in Cairo, Egypt. Rwanda, which is pooled in group A along with hosts and defending champions Egypt, Kenya and South Sudan, kicked off their campaign with a comfortable win against Kenya Mondayat Cairo national stadium. Coach Moise Mutokambali’s side, who are seeking to qualify for this year’s Afro-Basketball finals that will be held in the Republic of Congo, began the game in high gear winning the first quarter 14-7. However, things turned around for the national team in the second quarter as the Kenyans fought their way back into the game 12-25, hence going into the half time break with leading Rwanda 26-32. With a five-point lead, Rwanda had to dig deep in the third quarter to save their game which they consequently did taking it by 21-8, hence opening a seven-point gap (47-40) before the final fourth quarter. The national team maintained their pace in the final quarter which they comfortably took 29-20, thus wrapping up the game 76-60. Kenneth Gasana dropped the game’s high 24 points. Rwanda will today evening face off Egypt in their second and most difficult game and a win would increase their chances to advance to the semi-finals. Egypt won their first game against South Sudan on Sunday 87-76. In another game that took place on Monday, Uganda defeated Somalia 94 -72 in a group B encounter. The two teams that top the group will qualify for the semifinals and take on the top two from Group B that includes Uganda, Somalia and Burundi. The semifinals will be played on Friday before the tournament climaxes on Saturday. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
