LAST evening’s defeat against Ivory Coast means that Rwanda finished their group campaign without a win. The first timers lost 60-64 against the West Africans who finished as joint group leaders alongside defending champions Mali. After trailing in the first three quarters (10-18, 11-12, 16-18), the first timers swept the fourth quarter 23-16 although the fight back came a little too late. Reports from Madagascar indicate that one of the reasons why Rwanda has struggled in the championship is because of the team’s inferior height and physic. Key players like Honoree Ayebare have had a tough time in Madagascar. The defeat means that Rwanda finished bottom of the group with 5 points. In group A, seven-time record champions Senegal finished unscathed after winning all their group games. Cameroon finished second with 8 points, Mozambique weighed in with 7 points while hosts Madagascar secured the final quarter-final slot. The 21st Fiba-Africa championship for women is being staged in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo. Rwanda will now contest for the 9th -12th slots alongside Tunisia, South Africa and Mauritius. Ends
