WBLA zone 4 Opener: FAP women basketball Make a Statement in Kinshasa
The Amazons of the Armed Forces and Police (FAP) struck again in emphatic fashion! On Sunday, inside a packed Palais des Sports in Kinshasa, the reigning champions of Cameroon kicked off their Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone 4 qualifiers with authority, dismantling Congo’s BC Makomeno 70–49.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing early on. Fired up by their home crowd, the Congolese side came out swinging setting a furious pace in the first quarter with aggressive full-court pressure and lightning-fast transitions. But FAP head coach Majolie Lonteu quickly responded with tactical precision, tightening her defense into a compact zone and reinforcing the paint. The adjustment paid off immediately: the Cameroonian side slowed the tempo, regained composure, and ended the first half firmly in control (34–25).
After the break, FAP unleashed their trademark all-around game mixing inside plays with sharp perimeter shooting, crisp ball movement, and suffocating defense. The momentum shift was complete, and the Cameroonian machine rolled on relentlessly.
At the heart of this dominance was Phalone Damaris Emedie, who delivered a stellar debut performance. The international center posted 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals, and a +21 efficiency rating in just 25 minutes on the floor. Her dominance in the paint and leadership at both ends made her the undeniable standout of the night.
With this commanding 70–49 win, FAP sits comfortably at the top of the provisional standings, sending a clear message to the competition. Coach Lonteu’s squad already looks cohesive, confident, and ready to chase continental glory. Their next challenge comes on Monday, October 20 at 1:30 p.m. (Cameroon time) a high-stakes clash against CNSS of Congo, which promises fireworks between two regional powerhouses.
Meanwhile, it was a tougher night for Cameroon’s other representatives, Overdose Yaoundé. Facing a formidable CNSS team in their opener, coach Roger Dassi’s side fell 59–78 despite a spirited start led by Marie La Grâce Ongmabock. Overdose struggled to match the physicality and tactical discipline of the Congolese champions, whose outside shooting and fluid teamwork ultimately proved decisive.
The loss serves as a wake-up call for Overdose, who will return to the court on Monday, October 20against BC Makomeno in what now becomes a must-win game to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Between tactical mastery, defensive grit, and mental resilience, both Cameroonian clubs are playing for more than just victory they are carrying the flag of women’s basketball in Cameroon, determined to assert their place on Africa’s biggest stage.
