The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Les Léopard Dames, beat Kenya for a second time, this time 60–24, to clinch the U-25 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Africa Women’s Championship at the Gymnase du Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa, DR Congo on Friday. The tournament served as a qualifier for the 2027 IWBF World Championship.
Speaking from Kinshasa right after the final whistle, national team head coach Charles Jabush told Radio Generation that he was proud of what the ladies had accomplished, noting that most of them had no international wheelchair basketball experience.
“I am so proud of these girls. What we have achieved is a statement to our federation and the Kenyan government. We came here with over 70% of my players being international rookies,” Jabush said.
“DRC have done a double over us. They are good technically and also have well-built players who are very physical. Anyway, there is always a next time. Congratulations to them,” Jabush added.
Jabush’s team arrived in Kinshasa on Sunday. On Monday, they faced the host nation at the Gymnase du Stade des Martyrs, losing 40–9. However, on Tuesday a rejuvenated Kenya bounced back against South Africa, winning 35–20. Star player Michelle Yegon shone in the match, earning the Woman of the Match award after scoring 12 points, with four assists and six rebounds.
Kenya’s run in the tournament continued well on Wednesday when Jabush rested some of his starters, giving opportunities to fresh players. The move paid off as Kenya dominated tournament debutants Liberia, winning 64–6. Captain Ashley Autai was named Woman of the Match after scoring 26 points, with six assists and six rebounds, helping Kenya secure a semi-final spot.
On Thursday, Kenya faced South Africa again in the semi-finals, winning 41–15 to book a place in the final. Captain Ashley Autai once again stood out, scoring 16 points, with one assist and 16 rebounds, earning another Woman of the Match award. In the other semi-final, host nation DRC crushed Liberia 99–4, setting up a final clash with Kenya, a match Jabush and his team hoped to use for revenge.
The Gymnase du Stade des Martyrs was tense on Friday evening, with a hostile atmosphere towards the visitors, Kenya. However, the home team, Les Léopard Dames, were fully prepared as they waited for the match officials to start the game.
Kenya pushed hard but could not match the physicality of the hosts, with the 40-minute match ending 60–24 in favour of DRC.
The result means that the Congolese national wheelchair basketball team has secured qualification for the prestigious 2027 IWBF U25 Women’s World Championship, whose date and venue will be announced later.
The U-25 IWBF Africa Women’s Championship featured the top four wheelchair basketball teams in Africa competing for the sole slot to represent the continent in 2027. The teams were host nation DR Congo, Kenya, Liberia, and South Africa.
