• BASKETBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 months ago

‎Fearless KPA book WBLA quarters slot after pushing champions Ferroviario de Maputo to the limit

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) may have fallen 91–76 to reigning champions Ferroviario de Maputo but their fearless fight and spirited performance have earned them a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA).

‎In a high-intensity Group B finale on Tuesday, the Dockers stood tall against tournament favourites Maputo, refusing to be overawed by their opponents' star-studded lineup. Despite trailing at halftime, KPA stormed back in the third quarter, erasing a double-digit deficit to temporarily shift the momentum.

‎The comeback was powered by a commanding display from American forward Sarah Nicole Dickey, who once again led from the front with 22 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Her aggression on both ends of the floor gave KPA the edge during their most dominant stretch.

‎Teammate Alexus Johnson delivered arguably her best game yet, racking up 24 points, 12 rebounds, and draining a key three-pointer, plus a perfect record from the free-throw line.

Her hustle sparked KPA’s 28-point third quarter, keeping Maputo on the back foot.

‎Captain Natalie Mwangale added stability to the backcourt with 6 points and 3 assists, while Barbara Diana Achieng contributed 6 points and 5 rebounds offering vital second-chance plays in the paint.

‎But experience and depth eventually gave Maputo the edge. In the final minutes, the champions tightened up defensively, forced key turnovers, and used their bench strength which outscored KPA’s 26–12 to finish strongly and seal the win.

‎Still, KPA’s progression to the quarter-finals is a clear sign of growth. They’ve proven they can match up with the continent’s best, and with a balanced, resilient core, they remain serious contenders as the tournament heads into the knockout stage.