Coach Esperance Mukaneza on Thursday, December 14, led Rwanda Energy Group (REG) women to a convincing 96-65 win over ASPAC of Benin to cement a 4-0 clean slate in Group B at the ongoing Africa Women's Basketball League (AWBL). The Rwandan representatives opened their campaign with an 86-45 victory over Cameroon's Overdose Up Station before stunning pre-tournament favourites Inter Clube of Angola 96-89. ALSO READ: WNBA star Nia Clouden reveals prospect of playing for Rwanda There was no stopping for Mukaneza's charges who, after that landmark victory, humbled Equity Bank Hawks 84-50 in the third match before finishing their group action with yet another comfortable win over Benin the champions ASPAC 96-65. WNBA import Tiffany Mitchell and Destiney Promise Philoxy, who have been key for REG, combined for 42 points, with the latter scoring 22 in the win over ASPAC, while Clouden contributed 16 points. With such a run, Mukaneza, a former Rwanda national team player, believes they can go all the way, but in a quick rejoinder admits it will not be an easy ride to the championship. ALSO READ: REG coach eyes podium finish at Africa Women's Basketball League We came here ready for the win as that would give us an easier matchup in the quarters and I am happy that the players remained focused and we achieved that. I got to field the bench players more today and they performed well, the tactician said. With pretty much focus now shifted to the knock-out stages, Mukaneza admits there is still room for improvement. We have work to do before the next phase. The upcoming matches will get tougher. We have to review footages and correct what needs to be improved while, at the same time, scouting the opponent, she explained. After such a run, the expectations for us are higher and we want to go all the way and win the title match so we have to prepare well.” Mukaneza’s sentiments were echoed by Clouden who says it was difficult to play four days in a row and it took resilience to show up for each game, adding that they will carry the same spirit to the knockout stages. ALSO READ: AWBL: Nia Clouden confident REG will top Group B I don't think anything about this tournament is going to be easy. We have played some good teams and there are more in the other group we are yet to meet. However, I think we are capable as long as we play together and play hard, Clouden said.
