This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
On Wednesday, October 23, 2019, defending champions Equity Bank will face Rwanda Patriotic Army (APR) in the Fiba Africa Women's Club Championships, looking for a win to boost their chances of making the final.
Equity Bank easily won their opening game against Le Gazelle from Burundi 96-39, while APR beat hosts Don Bosco 84-50.
APR coach Charles Mbazumutima expressed his preference to avoid Kenya Ports Authority in the knockout stage, a sentiment shared by Equity Bank coach David Maina, who hopes the two Kenyan clubs will meet in the final.
Kenya Ports Authority was set to play Uganda's JKL Dolphine on Tuesday night, with the winner advancing to the next round.
The battle between Equity Bank and APR will be intense, with both teams relying on their strengths to secure a win.
APR boasts a strong back court with players like Marie Imanizabayo, Sandra Kantore, and Rocine Miconyiza, while Equity Bank's front court features Silalei Shani, Belinda Okoth, Rita Onyàngo, Cynthia Mawero, and Betty Kananu.
"I'm very happy we started with a huge win and that's the pace we want to maintain going forward as we seek to retain the title we won for the first time last year," said Equity Bank coach David Maina.
However, APR coach Charles Mbazumutima has vowed to give Equity Bank a tough time, stating, "I have watched them play and I doubt we should have a difficult time beating them because they look slow and sluggish in my opinion."
