Victor Wanyama leads praise for national women’s team after historic African conquest

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BASKETBALL Victor Wanyama leads praise for national women’s team after historic African conquest

Joel Omotto 11:50 - 04.12.2023

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama was among wowed by Kenya women’s 3x3 team’s thrilling victory over Egypt in the Africa Cup in Cairo

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has congratulated the Kenya women’s 3x3 side for winning the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup in Cairo, Egypt on Sunday.

Kenya recorded a hard-fought 21-20 win over Egypt after coming from behind with Wanyama’s sister Mercy Wanyama leading the comeback.

Egypt had taken a 19-13 lead when Mercy Wanyama scored twice in succession to reduce the arrears before Madina Okot also added four more points for a 20-19 score after the hosts had put in a basket.

Okot and Mercy Wanyama then combined to set up Natalie Akinyi who drove home the winning basket to turn the game on its head for the 21-20 win in favour of Kenya which keeps their Olympics dream alive.

“Mercy Wanyama proud of you and the team. You did it,” Victor Wanyama posted on social media in reaction to the result.

Everlyne Kedogo’s side are now top in Africa in terms of rankings, and a step closer to next summer’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Kenya will turn their focus to the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament in May 2024 where a place at the Paris Games will be contested.

The team triumphed against adversity having struggled for a training venue due to the unavailability of Nyayo Stadium on a number of occasions.

Kedogo had faith in her team saying she had “some of the best shooters assembled” and that came to be as their shooting secured a win from the jaws of defeat.

Mwangale put on a show all tournament, capping her 23 points event with an incredible buzzer-beating two to upset home side Egypt in the final. Her offensive and defensive prowess made them a clinical force. 

She took home the MVP award, leading the Team of the Tournament alongside Egypt’s Raneem Mohamed who put up 23 points throughout the competition along with a fantastic all-round performance; and Harisoa Hajanirina (Madagascar) who led her side to Bronze with a 20-point tournament in Cairo.

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