The Kenya Lionesses, the national women’s basketball team, are gearing up for an intense battle at the FIBA Africa Zone Five Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers in Giza, Egypt, from 3 to 8 February 2025. This pivotal tournament will see six nations compete for a spot in the prestigious 2025 Women’s AfroBasket tournament, which will be hosted in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Kenya’s Lionesses are determined to make a comeback to the continental showpiece after missing out on the 2023 edition. The team finished third in the 2023 qualifiers held in Kampala, falling behind powerhouse teams such as Egypt and Uganda. This year, Kenya will face stiff competition as they go up against Egypt (hosts), South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi in a bid to secure one of the top spots that will earn them a place in the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket tournament.
The Road to the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket
The 2025 Women’s AfroBasket will be the 29th edition of the competition and promises to be a high-stakes event. The top four teams from the qualifiers will also have a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments, making this a critical opportunity for the teams competing.
As the only East African nation in the tournament, Kenya will be looking to improve on its previous best performance in the African competition. The Lionesses secured a silver medal in 1993, finishing as runners-up to Senegal in a competitive 9-team event. Their bronze medal finish in 1997 further solidified Kenya’s position as a growing force in women’s basketball.
A Tough Road Ahead
Kenya’s journey to the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket will be a tough one. The team will face off against some of Africa’s strongest basketball nations. Reigning champions Nigeria, Senegal (who placed second in the 2023 edition), and Mali (who claimed bronze) are already among the nations that have secured spots in the main tournament. Rwanda, who finished fourth in the 2023 competition, has also qualified.
In addition to these traditional powerhouses, Cameroon became the first nation to qualify, securing their spot after defeating DR Congo in a two-game series held in August, marking the first window of the qualifiers in Zone Four.
The Lionesses’ Strategy for Success
With an eye on their historic return to the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, the Kenya Lionesses are focused on developing a strong team chemistry, refining their tactics, and leveraging the experience of their seasoned players. Coach Clifford Nyandoro and his coaching staff will look to sharpen both offensive and defensive strategies in the lead-up to the February qualifiers.
A key player to watch is Sarah Chan, a rising star who has impressed with her versatility and leadership. Her experience on the court will be crucial for Kenya’s chances against the likes of Egypt, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Kenya’s Legacy in Women’s Basketball
The Kenya Lionesses have a proud history in African basketball. Their silver medal in 1993 remains one of the country’s most notable achievements in the sport, and the team continues to inspire future generations of female athletes across the region. This year’s qualifiers offer a chance to reignite that legacy and prove that the Lionesses are still contenders in African women’s basketball.
The Road to Abidjan
For the six teams competing in the Zone Five qualifiers, the ultimate goal is a ticket to the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket in Ivory Coast. With only four spots up for grabs, the tournament in Egypt promises to be fiercely competitive. The Kenya Lionesses will need to bring their best performance to secure their place and, hopefully, advance to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers as well.
As the competition heats up, fans in Kenya and across East Africa will be rallying behind their team, hoping for a strong and successful showing from the Lionesses.
