Rwanda national U18 boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have launched brilliant starts at the FIBA Africa Zone V Championship currently underway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
FIBA Zone V Nations Cup for U18 Men and Women is a qualifying competition for the Africa Nations Championships for U18 2018 (FIBA Africa U18 Men & Women 2018).
On Sunday, Rwanda’s Boys team thrashed 86-44 in their opening game held at Taifa Indoor Stadium with youngsters Thierry Nkundwa and Emile Galois Kazeneza each scoring 18 points.
The Yves Murenzi led side won all quarters comfortably registering 25-9, 18-7, 21-16 and 22-12 respectively.
On Monday, their girls’ counterparts dispatched Uganda as they won 46-35. Rwanda won the first quarter 12-11, before extending the lead in the second quarter which they won 25-18.
The third and fourth quarters were also in favour of Rwanda to secure a final score of 46-35.
With one game played so far, Rwanda is left to face South Sudan and defending champions Uganda in the Boys’ category while the junior girls’ team will face hosts Tanzania in the next and final game for a single slot to the continental championship.
Qualification for the Boys U18 FIBA Africa Nations Championships is on the cards for the Rwanda as a first finish guarantees qualification for the meet to be determined in Mali.
Conversely winners in the girls’ category qualify for the FIBA U18 Nations Championships which will be determined in Mozambique.