MFM Queens suffer second defeat at FIBA Women Basketball League Africa

Posted : 09 December 2024

Nigeria Women's Basketball League champions, MFM Queens, are struggling to find their rhythm at the 2024 FIBA Africa Women's Basketball League currently taking place in Dakar, Senegal.

MFM have lost their opening games in the championship. They first succumbed to Egyptian giants Al Ahly with a resounding 99-49 defeat, losing each quarter 27-16, 29-7, 21-10, and 22-16. They then fell to the host team, ASC Ville de Dakar, in their second game, 81-50.

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Just like in their first outing, MFM Queens failed to win a single quarter against ASC Ville de Dakar, with scores of 23-10, 19-12, 18-15, and 21-13.

The home team, ASC Ville de Dakar, dominated the game, shooting 31-of-66 from the field, including five three-pointers, and converting 14 of their 23 free throws. This commanding performance secured an 81-50 victory, subjecting MFM to their second defeat while boosting ASC's chances of advancing to the quarterfinals.

Elisabeth Dabou delivered an exceptional performance, leading her team to victory with 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block, amassing a tournament-high efficiency rating of 34.

ASC head coach Moustapha Gaye credited his team's early dominance for the win, referencing their intent to avoid the close-call situation from their opening match, where they had to rally from behind to beat FAP 57-54.

"It was not an easy game, but we had set out to win with the knockout matches in mind. Both sides had their moments. We put crucial stops on two of their best players and secured a comfortable victory. However, we still have some areas to improve before facing Al Ahly Sporting in the final group match," said coach Gaye.

On the other hand, MFM coach Joy Ochuko attributed her team's struggles to poor defense:

"It wasn't the best game for us. Nothing worked offensively, and defensively, we didn’t show up. We allowed too many easy points. We need to improve our rebounding, contest shots better, and overall, play stronger defense if we want a chance to win."

Meanwhile, defending champions Alexandria Sporting Club (ASC) entered the 2024 WBLA with two consecutive African titles under their belt. They began this year’s campaign with a 65-49 victory over Friends Basketball Association (FBA) from Côte d’Ivoire. However, they suffered a narrow 61-59 defeat to CNSS from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B, with quarter scores of 16-16, 9-20, 18-13, and 18-10.

Four FBA players scored in double digits against APR, with Sarah Berthé leading the charge with 14 points. Three other players added 10 points each, as the Lémou Benga-coached side stunned the star-studded APR with a 63-55 victory.

In the final game on Sunday, Egyptian champions Al Ahly SC extended their winning streak by defeating Cameroon’s FAP 89-63.

Results:
Group A
MFM 50 – ASC Ville de Dakar 81
Al Ahly SC 89 – FAP 63

Group B
APR 55 – FBA 63
Sporting Alexandria 59 – CNSS 61

Upcoming Games:
Group C
ASB Makomeno vs REG Women BBC
Ferroviario Maputo vs Jeanne d'Arc

MFM Queens suffer second defeat at FIBA Women Basketball League Africa

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