DAKAR, Senegal – The Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) 2024 group stage wrapped up on Wednesday after six thrilling days of competition, with five standout players emerging as the heroes of the final day. Each of these athletes delivered remarkable performances, propelling their teams into the elimination round with decisive moments that left fans in awe.
Here’s a closer look at the five players who stole the spotlight and secured their teams’ spots in the next phase of the tournament:
Anabela Cossa
Despite suffering an injury in the second quarter, Mozambique’s Anabela Cossa returned to the court in the final quarter to deliver a remarkable performance. the shooting guard’s resilience paid off as she scored a team-high 19 points, helping Ferroviario de Maputo secure an remarkable 88-38 victory over ASB Makomeno from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Cossa’s shooting prowess was on full display as she connected on five of her 10 three-point attempts, including three crucial shots in the final period. Her efforts not only boosted her team’s lead but also limited the congolese side to just 11 points in the second half, resulting in a 50-point blowout.This marks the second time in the WBLA 2024 tournament that a team has achieved a 50-point victory, following Al Ahly SC’s 99-49 win over MFP.
Silvia Veloso
Silvia Veloso was the driving force behind Ferroviario de Maputo’s dominant display against ASB Makomeno. The former University of Cumberlands star played for 29 minutes and 8 seconds, contributing 11 points and eight assists, narrowly missing a double-double. Her playmaking skills where instrumental in the team’s 88-38 triumph.
Veloso has been a standout throughout the tournament, leading the WBLA 2024 with an average of 6.3 assists per game. Her ability to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities has been a key factor in Maputo’s success.
Ingvild Mucauro
Ingvild Mucauro,the 2019 FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women MVP,continued her stellar form with another exceptional performance. The medical doctor scored 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and made seven steals while adding five assists, finishing with an efficiency rating of 22. Her all-around effort helped Ferroviario de Maputo secure their third consecutive victory in Group C.
Mucauro’s versatility and leadership have been crucial for Maputo,as they remain one of the top contenders in the tournament.
Destiny Philoxy
Rwandan-born American Destiny Philoxy was a force to be reckoned with in REG’s 65-52 victory over Jeanne D’Arc. She connected on four of her 10 three-point attempts, finishing with a game-high 20 points. Philoxy also added four assists and a rebound, earning her a spot on the list of top performers for the second game in a row.
Her scoring and playmaking abilities were pivotal in REG’s second-place finish in Group C, setting the stage for an exciting elimination round.
Aminata Ly
Aminata Ly rounded out the list of standout performers with a commanding display in her team’s victory. Her contributions were instrumental in securing a spot in the elimination round, showcasing her skill and determination on the court.
As the WBLA 2024 moves into the elimination round, these five players will undoubtedly be key figures in determining the tournament’s ultimate champion. Fans can expect even more thrilling performances as the competition heats up.
Senegalese Star Shines in WBLA 2024, Leading REG to quarterfinals
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Senegalese powerhouse continues to be a cornerstone for Julian Martinez’s team, REG. During their recent victory over their opponents, the team secured a decisive win with a final score of 65-52, thanks in large part to the standout performance of their 24-year-old center.
The center, who has been a pivotal player for REG this season, delivered her second consecutive double-double, contributing 12 points and an impressive 13 rebounds.Her relentless effort on the court was evident as she logged 36 minutes, during which she notched three interceptions and an equal number of blocks. Her assist further solidified her impact, helping REG secure their spot in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 record.
“Her performance tonight was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Julian Martinez, head coach of REG.”She continues to demonstrate why she is one of the league’s top players.”
Currently,the young athlete leads the WBLA 2024 in blocked shots,averaging an impressive three blocks per game. Her defensive prowess and offensive contributions have made her a key player in REG’s success this season.
As the WBLA 2024 season progresses, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on this rising star.Her ability to dominate both ends of the court has set her apart, making her a force to be reckoned with as REG moves forward in the playoffs.
for more updates on the WBLA 2024 and other sports news, stay tuned to World Today News.
About the WBLA 2024
The WBLA 2024 is the premier women’s basketball league, featuring some of the most talented players from around the globe. This season has been marked by intense competition and remarkable performances, with teams vying for the championship title.
### “Dominating the Court: An Exclusive Interview on the WBLA 2024’s Rising Stars and Defining Moments”
The WBLA 2024 has captivated fans with its intense competition and standout performances from some of the most talented women’s basketball players in Africa. As the group stage concluded,five athletes emerged as the heroes of the final day,showcasing their resilience,skill,and leadership on the court. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor of **World Today News**, [Your Name], sits down with basketball analyst and WBLA expert, [Expert’s Name], to discuss the standout players, their contributions to their teams, and what lies ahead in the playoffs.
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#### **The Rise of Anabela cossa: Resilience and Shooting Prowess**
**Senior Editor:** Let’s start with Anabela Cossa of Ferroviario de Maputo. Her performance, despite an injury, was nothing short of remarkable. What stood out to you about her game?
**Expert:** Anabela Cossa’s resilience is what truly sets her apart. Returning to the court after an injury in the second quarter and delivering a team-high 19 points is a testament to her mental toughness. Her shooting was impeccable—hitting five of her 10 three-point attempts, including three crucial shots in the final period. This not only boosted her team’s lead but also demoralized ASB makomeno, limiting them to just 11 points in the second half. Her ability to perform under pressure is what makes her a game-changer.
**Senior Editor:** it’s fascinating how her performance led to a 50-point blowout. How meaningful is this in the context of the WBLA 2024?
**Expert:** Achieving a 50-point victory is rare in any league, let alone a competitive one like the WBLA. This marks only the second time in the tournament that a team has achieved such a margin of victory, following Al Ahly SC’s 99-49 win over MFP. It speaks volumes about Cossa’s impact and Ferroviario de Maputo’s dominance in Group C.
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#### **Silvia Veloso: The Playmaker Behind the Scenes**
**Senior Editor:** Next, let’s talk about Silvia Veloso. She narrowly missed a double-double but was instrumental in Maputo’s victory. What role does she play for her team?
**Expert:** Silvia Veloso is the heart and soul of Ferroviario de Maputo’s offense. Her playmaking skills are unmatched—leading the WBLA 2024 with an average of 6.3 assists per game. Her ability to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities for her teammates is what makes her so valuable. Even though she didn’t reach a double-double this time,her eight assists were crucial in breaking down ASB Makomeno’s defense.
**Senior Editor:** How does her performance compare to other point guards in the league?
**Expert:** Veloso is in a league of her own when it comes to distributing the ball. Her vision and decision-making are top-tier, and she consistently finds the open player. Her experience as a former University of Cumberlands star has clearly translated to the professional level. If she continues this form, she could be a dark horse for MVP consideration.
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#### **Ingvild Mucauro: The Versatile MVP Contender**
**Senior Editor:** Moving on to ingvild Mucauro. She’s been a consistent performer for Maputo, contributing across multiple stats. What makes her so versatile?
**Expert:** Ingvild Mucauro is the complete package. She’s a former FIBA Africa Champions Cup MVP, and her all-around game is on full display in the WBLA 2024. In her latest performance, she scored 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds, made seven steals, and added five assists—finishing with an efficiency rating of 22.Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the court is what sets her apart. She’s not just a scorer; she’s a leader and a disruptor on defense.
**Senior Editor:** How does her versatility benefit Ferroviario de Maputo?
**Expert:** Her versatility allows Maputo to adapt their strategy game by game. Whether they need her to score, distribute, or lock down on defense, Mucauro delivers. Her leadership has been crucial in their three consecutive victories in Group C, and she’s a key reason why they remain one of the top contenders in the tournament.
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#### **Destiny Philoxy: The Scoring Machine of REG**
**Senior Editor:** Now, let’s discuss Destiny Philoxy of REG.Her 20-point performance against Jeanne D’Arc was pivotal. What makes her such a dynamic scorer?
**Expert:** Destiny Philoxy is a scoring machine. Her ability to shoot from beyond the arc is exceptional—connecting on four of her 10 three-point attempts in that game. She’s also a playmaker, adding four assists to her stat line. Her scoring and playmaking were critical in REG’s 65-52 victory, securing their second-place finish in Group C.
**Senior Editor:** How does her performance impact REG’s chances in the playoffs?
**Expert:** Philoxy’s scoring is a game-changer for REG. In a high-stakes playoff environment, having a player who can consistently put points on the board is invaluable. Her ability to step up in big moments gives REG a real shot at making a deep run in the tournament.
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#### **Aminata Ly: The Unsung Hero**
**Senior Editor:** let’s touch on aminata Ly. While her stats may not jump off the page, her impact is undeniable. What role does she play for her team?
**Expert:** Aminata Ly is the unsung hero of her team. She doesn’t always lead in scoring or assists, but her contributions are vital. her defensive intensity, rebounding, and leadership on the court set the tone for her teammates. She’s the glue that holds her team together, and her presence is felt in every game.
**Senior Editor:** How does she elevate her team’s performance?
**Expert:** Ly’s energy and effort are contagious. She sets the standard for hustle and determination, which inspires her teammates to play at a higher level. In a league where every possession matters, having a player like Ly is invaluable.
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#### **Looking Ahead: The Playoffs and Beyond**
**Senior Editor:** As the WBLA 2024 moves into the elimination round, which teams and players do you see as serious contenders for the championship?
**Expert:** Ferroviario de Maputo, led by Cossa, Veloso, and Mucauro, is undoubtedly a top contender. Their depth and versatility give them an edge. REG, with Philoxy’s scoring, is also a team to watch. However, the playoffs are unpredictable, and any team that can maintain their momentum has a shot at the title.
**Senior Editor:** What advice woudl you give to fans tuning in for the playoffs?
**Expert:** Keep your eyes on the rising stars like Anabela Cossa and Destiny Philoxy. Their performances will be key in determining the outcome of the tournament. And don’t underestimate the value of players like Silvia Veloso and Aminata Ly—they’re the ones who often make the difference in close games.
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**Senior Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, [Expert’s Name]. The WBLA 2024 has been nothing short of thrilling, and I’m excited to see how these players continue to shine in the playoffs.
**expert:** My pleasure! It’s been an astonishing season so far, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
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For more updates on the WBLA 2024 and other sports news, stay tuned to **World Today News**.
