Kenya’s women’s 5×5 wheelchair basketball team put up a spirited fight against hosts Angola on Sunday, Day 3 of the ongoing Africa Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Luanda, but lost 18–36.
Speaking after the final whistle at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Kilamba, head coach Sarah Libese remained upbeat, dismissing any stage fright despite the packed, sold-out arena—home to African powerhouse Petro de Luanda.
“We came out well. My players are still young, and the mistakes we saw today are common with a young team on a big stage like this,” Libese told Radio Generation amid loud cheers from the home crowd.
“Now we have no choice but to beat Morocco and Algeria, then face South Africa. But all in all, we won’t miss the podium,” she added.
Her Angolan counterpart, Monis Marques, praised the Kenyan side for their speed and stamina, noting that they remain a threat in the tournament and wishing them well in upcoming matches.
Kenya started slowly, losing the first quarter. However, in the second quarter, Libese made key changes, introducing U-25 talents Christine Mutheu at guard and Ashley Autai as scorer. The adjustments improved Kenya’s performance, but Angola still led 23–16 at halftime.
Libese later brought on experienced players Phyllis Warioko Nyambura, captain Beth Wanja, and Eunice Otieno, who helped stabilize the team heading into the final quarter. However, a strong defensive display from Angola, backed by home support, secured a 36–18 victory.
Earlier, Kenya’s men’s team also suffered defeat, losing 68–27 to Algeria.
The men will look to bounce back on Monday against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while the women face a double-header against Algeria in the morning and South Africa’s AmaWheela girls later in the evening—matches Kenya cannot afford to lose.
