Photo FIBA
CAIRO (Egypt) - Algeria point guard Loubna Ferikh on Sunday was full of excitement to end the FIBA U16 Women's African Championship with a medal courtesy of a Third-Place 53-51 win over Uganda.
The feat makes it the first podium finish for Algeria in all three editions they have participated in.
The Rouiba Club Basketball of Algeria player had every reason to celebrate being the Captain of the side.
"The game against Uganda was a tough one but I am very happy that we won. This win means a lot to us because this is the first time Algeria will make it to the podium. That is enough for us to be excited," she told FIBA.basketball at the conclusion of the Third-Place Game at Cairo Arena.
The 1.78m (5ft 7in) who turned 16 on January 3rd, stated that the win will help set the bar for Algerian women's basketball.
Ferikh was not the only one celebrating on Sunday as fourth-placed Uganda were not left out.
The determination Uganda showed was thrilling as they nearly left Algeria in tears in the last quarter of the game when they closed the points margin to 52-50 inside the fourth quarter with just 45 seconds left on the clock.
Uganda captain Darlene Tashobya added that there is a need for her to celebrate because of the experience she gathered from the championship. "My experience from the championship in Cairo had been good. I have learned a lot and plenty to take back home to help me improve in the game."
Uganda coach Rodgers Sevinigho admitted that his team started preparation late but the team impressed him with their performance.
The Championship in Cairo marks the second appearance for Uganda having finished fifth in the 2019 edition held in Kigali, Rwanda. - FIBA
