Rwanda Girls defeat Kenya to make the finals

Rwanda U18 Girls have become the first team to advance to the finals after defeating Kenya 71:45 in game 1 of the semifinals.

Rwanda edged Kenya 21:13 after the first quarter but Rwanda’s offense engaged another gear in the second quarter, scoring 26 points while Kenya had just 7.

Kenya’s defense improved significantly in the third quarter, they limited Rwanda to just 2 points whilst they scored 12.

Kenya once again tried to limit Rwanda in the fourth quarter but the mission was partially done. Rwanda scored just 7 points in the first 5 minutes but they managed to score 15 in the final 5 and walked away with a 26-point victory.

Rwanda players celebrating — Rwanda’s Aela Barahira Teto and Gaxine Mazimpaka Illiza hyped during the game 📸 Toni Kamau

Talking points

The turnovers were the biggest problem for Kenya. Hey had 44 while Rwanda had 25 and so Rwanda got more possessions and they had 85 Field Goal attempts, 21 more than Kenya’s 64.

Match Stats

Rwanda

Brigitte Nabishaka 19 pts, 7 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl

Rebecca Cyuzuzo 10 pts, 13 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl

Rachel Gikundiro 9 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast

Kenya

Alicia Elizabeth Mito 18 pts, 12 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl

Valentine Korir 8 pts, 10 reb, 7 blk

Roseline Akinyi 6 pts, 9 reb, 1 ast

Match Facts

Kenya did not score a 3-point shot in their 9 attempts during the game while Rwanda managed to make 9, Nabishaka with 4 from 5 attempts.

Brigitte Nabishaka has now scored 15+ points in 4 consecutive games.