- The 2025 WBLA Zone 5 Qualifiers tipped off on Sunday, November 9, and will run through to November 15 at the Nyayo Gymnasium in Nairobi.
- Kenya’s Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) got off to a strong start, cruising past Foxes Divas with an emphatic 81–57 victory.
- However, fellow Kenyan representatives Zetech Sparks stumbled in their debut appearance, falling 75–61 to Les Hippos.
Kenya Ports Authority’s (KPA) guard, Ifunanya Okoro, made a spectacular return to the club, erupting for 18 points to lead KPA to a commanding 81-57 victory over Tanzania’s Foxes Divas.
The win kicked off their campaign in the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone Five qualifiers on a high note.
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KPA, the national basketball champions, are co-hosting the nine-team tournament alongside fellow Kenyan side Zetech Sparks.
The event is being held at the Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium, running from Sunday, November 9th, through Saturday, November 15th.
With only two spots available for the global stage, the Anthony Ajukwu-led squad saw five of its players score in double digits.
Joining Okoro were Aminata Ly and Betty Kananu, who also contributed 10 points each, alongside Vilma Owino. Alima Doumba chipped in with 11 points.
For the Diva Foxes, only two players managed double figures. Evelyne Nakiyingi led their effort with 16 points, followed closely by Asinah Kabendela with 15.
However, their performance was n0t enough to breach a determined KPA side, which is seeking a return to the continental stage after falling short last season.
In Sunday night’s match at Nyayo Stadium, KPA enjoyed a strong start, dominating the first quarter 25-13 before securing another 26-18 advantage in the second period.
Their new signing and returnee, Nigerian international Okoro, spearheaded the charge with 16 points in the first half, adding five rebounds and an assist.
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Betty Kananu also reached double digits with 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while fellow returnee Amina Ly contributed seven points, three rebounds, and two assists.
For the Tanzanian side, only one player managed to reach double figures by halftime, Evelyne Nakiyingi contributing 12 points and five rebounds. This allowed KPA to head into the break with a commanding 20-point lead at 51-31.
KPA continued their form with a 19-14 win in the third quarter. Although the Foxes edged the final period 12-11, it was too little, too late, as KPA firmly took control of Group Two.
KPA will aim to maintain this momentum when they face the Magic Stormers on Wednesday at 7:00 PM EAT for their second match at the same venue.
WBLA Zone 5 Qualifiers : Zetech Sparks stumble in debut appearance
Meanwhile, Zetech Sparks, making their tournament debut, suffered a difficult start to their campaign. They were handed a 75-61 loss by Les Hippos of Burundi on Tuesday afternoon at the Nyayo Gymnasium.
The Maurice Obilo Otweyo-led charges struggled on both ends of the court, showing weaknesses in defence and offence.
They will be looking to rectify their mistakes, particularly in rebounding and shooting, when they take on Rwandan giants REG Women BBC on Tuesday, November 11th, at the same venue from 2:00 PM EAT.
Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA Zone 5 Qualifiers): KPA and Zetech Sparks Fixtures and Results
All matches in EAT time / All held at Nyayo Gymnasium
KPA – Group A Fixtures
- Sun, Nov 9: KPA 87-51 Foxes Divas
- Tues, Nov 11: KPA vs Magic Stormers – 7:00 PM
- Wed, Nov 12: Gladiators vs KPA – 7:00 PM
- Thur, Nov 13: APR Women BBC vs KPA – 7:00 PM
Zetech Sparks – Group B Fixtures
- Mon, Nov 10: Les Hippos 75-61 Zetech Sparks
- Tue, Nov 11: Zetech Sparks vs REG Women BBC – 2:00 PM
- Thur, Nov 13: Zetech Sparks vs Don Bosco Lady Lioness – 2:30 PM