After conquering East Africa, KPA sets sights on Africa title

KPA celebrate after winning the 2023 FIBA Africa Zone V title in Rwanda.[FIBA]

Kenyan champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) made easy work of rivals Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the final of the Africa Women Basketball League (AWBL) zone five qualifiers to lift the title.

So dominant was Antony Ojukwu's side that the highly-anticipated final was largely one-sided, witnessing only three lead changes early on as KPA outscored the Rwandese side 87-53.

The Dockers jumped to a 14-07 lead in the opening five minutes, adding eight more in the remaining part of the quarter to lead 22-16, showing their intent early.

A second quarter score of 22-14 for the Kenyan side saw them carry a 14-point advantage to the halftime break, leaving coach Esperance Mukaneza's work cut out if the home side stood any chance at a maiden title. 

However, Ojukwu, whose side lost the Zone Five title to  Egypt's Alexandria Sporting last year, had other ideas as his charges remained relentless in their fight, winning the third quarter 18-13 for a 62-43 scoreline heading to the final period. 

Despite a home fanbase that cheered to every basket that REG scored in their attempt for a comeback, KPA remained unmoved, playing their biggest quarter yet in the final, to score 25-10 and condemn the Rwandese side to their first defeat of the nine-team championship.

Rosine Mcomyiza led the scores with 24, her efforts, however, were not complemented by any of her teammates as none hit double digits in points.  

Madina Okot, who played 37.30 minutes, contributed 22 points but her presence was felt more on rebounds as she pulled down a game-high 27. Victoria Reynolds scored 23 as Morgan Taylor added a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. 

Captain Natalie Akinyi had a rare double-double, scoring 13 points while giving 17 assists for the win. 

REG's consolation in settling for silver, however, is the fact that they will represent the zone, alongside the champions, at this year's AWBL slated, tentatively for December 9 to 19 in Cairo, Egypt. 

Meanwhile, the third-place clash between Equity Bank Hawks and JKL Lady Dolphins saw the Kenyan bankers go ahead 78-74 to finish the championship in third place.