Ojukwu declares WBLA title KPA's to lose after convincing start
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 12.11.25. | 12:34
KPA finished fourth in last year's qualifiers, just a year after winning the Zonal qualifiers enroute to silver at the continental showpiece
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Women head coach, Antony Ojukwu, believes the ongoing Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone Five Qualifiers are the Mombasa-based side's to lose.
The 2023 silver medalists have opened their campaign at the Nyayo Gymnasium with back-to-back victories, having followed their opening day 81-57 win with a statement 94-41 win over Uganda's Magic Stomers.
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It is off Tuesday's performance that Ojukwu's bold statement stems from, saying he has assembled one of the best squads for this competition and its predecessors (FIBA Africa Women's Basketball Cup/Africa Women's Basketball League).
"This championship is ours to lose," a bold Ojukwu told Mozzart Sport. "We are looking to play well in every win, and I am impressed with the squad so far. I believe the players have what it takes to deliver.
From the two matches, we have worked on our chemistry, and we are getting confident with each match."
On the night of Tuesday, 11 November, the national basketball league champions got back to action after a day's rest to produce the second-highest winning score.
A quick 15-1 run for the hosts gave a glimpse of how the match would pan, and despite a spirited Stomers fight led by teenage sensation Angella Auma, the opening period ended 21-8.
KPA showcased remarkable depth and versatility, with all 12 squad members getting playing time, and 10 contributing points. WBLA reigning top rebounder Aminata Ly dominated both ends of the floor, posting 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Ivorian Alima Doumbia and Ifunanya Okoro also made significant contributions, scoring 17 and 16 points respectively.
The Dockers, who led by as many as 53 at one point, were dominant on the paint, outscoring the opponent 58-22 for a massive advantage. Just like they did against Fox the previous day, Stomers struggled with ball handling, turning the ball over 33 times to hand KPA 37 points, against 11 off 23 turnovers.
A 34-6 contribution from fast breaks and 25-11 on second chances sealed the victory for the host team.
Now, as they turn their focus to Wednesday's match against Burundi's Gladiators, Ojukwu maintains that it is a must-win encounter. "Victory takes us one step into the semis. We will approach that match with confidence but not complacency," the tactician concluded.
