FAP and Overdose Pull Off Heart-Stopping Wins in WBLA 2025 Qualifiers
The Cameroonian flag flew high and proud at the Gymnase Multisports de la Police Nationale C in Kinshasa as FAPand Overdose Up Station produced two nerve-wracking victories on Day 2 of the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) 2025 Qualifiers. Facing the home crowd and the relentless challenge of Congolese sides CNSS and ASB Makomeno, both Cameroonian teams showcased grit, resilience, and heart snatching narrow but vital wins, 71–70 and 59–58 respectively.
Damaris Emédie Saves the Day for FAP
Once again, Damaris Emédie proved to be the beating heart of FAP. After her double-double heroics the previous day, the Cameroonian international delivered another commanding performance 18 points and 21 rebounds (16 defensive) capped by a clutch layup with just 22 seconds remaining to seal a one-point triumph over CNSS.
FAP came out firing, storming to an early 8–2 lead behind Emédie, Chinelo Lucy Ibeh, and Nkem Akaraiwe, and held a 10-point cushion at halftime. But CNSS roared back in the second half, inspired by Djelika Tounkara’s relentless offense, cutting the gap and even taking a late seven-point lead. With their backs against the wall, FAP refused to fold Josiane Tientcheu drained a crucial three-pointer, Idubamo Beggi slashed the deficit, and finally Emédie delivered the dagger, silencing the Kinshasa crowd.
With two straight wins, FAP Women are now firmly on course for a ticket to the WBLA 2025 Finals in Cairo, while CNSS must now beat ASB Makomeno in their next game to stay alive.
Overdose Up Station Fight Back from the Brink
If FAP’s win was dramatic, Overdose Up Station’s was nothing short of a thriller. After suffering a heavy defeat to CNSS in their opener, Roger Dassi’s team bounced back with a nail-biting 59–58 win over ASB Makomeno, reigniting their hopes of qualification.
Overdose took control early (16–9 in the first quarter) but Makomeno clawed back, trailing by just one at halftime (27–26). The game became a seesaw battle, with neither side able to break free. In the dying moments, Makomeno led by two until Sema Ekah stepped up with ice in her veins, sinking two free throws to tie the game, then burying a cold-blooded three-pointer in the final seconds to secure victory.
Ekah finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Myriam Guiolobo matched her 16-point tally. Makomeno’s trio of Rachel Ngona (17 pts), Laura Ilunga Kabongo (14 pts, 8 rebs), and Belinda Okoth (12 pts, 7 rebs) fought valiantly but fell just short.
The heartbreaking loss drops Makomeno to 0–2, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, while Overdose Up Station now back in the hunt join FAP in carrying Cameroon’s banner proudly into the next stage of the WBLA 2025 Qualifiers.
