Rwanda’s Under-18 women’s national basketball team revived its qualification hopes with a convincing 77-66 victory over Kenya in its second game of the FIBA Africa Zone 5 U18 Championship qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt.
The win came after Rwanda had opened the tournament with a defeat to Tanzania. Coached by Joseline Munyaneza, the team responded with a disciplined performance to secure its first victory of the competition.
Four Rwandan players finished in double figures, led by Ingabire Liliane with 22 points. Gaju Kaylia Chalva added 16 points, while Teta Nicole Kwitonda contributed 14 and Atete Laissa Ndaruhutse scored 10.
The victory temporarily lifted Rwanda to the top of the four-team standings with three points before Tanzania and Egypt faced off in their second-round fixture.
Kenya’s chances of qualifying have effectively ended after suffering consecutive defeats, as only the tournament winner will secure a place at the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s African Championship.
In the boys’ competition, Rwanda has been drawn in Group A alongside Egypt and Tanzania. The team was scheduled to open its campaign against Tanzania.
The winners of both the girls’ and boys’ tournaments will qualify for the 2026 FIBA U18 African Championship, which will be held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from August 5 to 16.
