The Kenya Lionesses roared to perfection, stunning pre-tournament favourites Egypt 99-83 in Kigali on Saturday evening to qualify for the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket which will be staged in Cameroon in September.

The Lionesses rose back from a poor start to the tournament to lay revenge on the Egyptians who beat them 107-16 when they met in the first round matches.

USA-based Felmas Koranga, Victoria Reynolds and skipper Melissa Akinyi, daughter to revered football legend John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla put up a scintillating performance to see the Lionesses earna ticket to Cameroon.

There was joy, laughter, hugs and high fives at the Kugali Arena as the Kenyan girls savoured their moment, following up to the Kenya Morans’ first ever qualification to the continental showpiece after 23 years.

The Kenyan contingent was well represented in the individual awards with Reynolds being named the tournament’s Most valuable Player as well as the best small forward while Koranga, younger sister to Kenya Morans star Ariel Okall was named best power forward.

AGENCIES/PHOTO/COURTESY