Yacine Diop and APR WBC take charge of WBLA Group B

APR WBC have taken early control of Group B in the Women’s Basketball League Africa Zone 5 qualifiers, strengthening their position in the race for a place in the knockout phase. The Rwandan side has won both of its opening games in Kibaha, Tanzania, with Yacine Diop playing a central role in that start.

The campaign began with a victory over Kenya’s Equity Hawks on Sunday before APR WBC followed it with another success against Tanzania’s Vijana Queens on Monday. Diop scored 15 points in the first game and 12 in the second, making an immediate impact as the Senegal captain featured in her team’s continental campaign.

Against Equity Hawks, Olivette Tumukunde led APR WBC with 17 points, while Diop and Eleuteria Lhavanguane each contributed 15. The results leave APR WBC top of Group B with two wins from two matches and provide a strong platform for qualification.

Diop’s influence has extended beyond her scoring. Her leadership, work in transition and ability to help maintain the team’s intensity have been important to APR WBC’s opening run. The forward’s performances have also confirmed her importance to a side seeking to secure the group’s continental ticket.