DOUALA (Cameroon) – The Young Lionesses of Cameroon are on cloud following their first-ever qualification for the FIBA U16 Women’s AfroBasket.

To earn their spot, the Cameroonian team had to demonstrate their superiority in both games against their only opponent, the Central African Republic.

In the first game, Cameroon overpowered the Central African Republic 103–12, with Shanice Mbaha scoring a game-high 26 points.

The second game was no different, with the host team posting an 84–22 win and booking their place in the final round of the FIBA AfroBasket U16 Women’s Championship, which will take place in Kigali, Rwanda.

Team captain Shanice Mbaha, who scored 21 points, was named Most Valuable Player for her performance.

Mbaha, who plays for the local club FAP, was also on the Cameroon U18 team that placed third in 2024.

After her team’s qualification, she told FIBA.Basketball that she is excited to have been a part of history. "I'm very happy with the efforts my teammates and I made throughout these qualifiers. There was competition, and I wanted to defend my country's colors, which my teammates and I did despite having only one opponent. I'm really proud of our qualification. It's a first for us, and I'm proud to be part of this team."

When asked about her outlook ahead of the Final Round, Shanice stated, "My teammates and I will give our best, fight until the end, and hopefully win a medal. A gold medal would be even better. Honestly, we can become champions this year because our coaches will help us redouble our efforts in all circumstances. We will fight until the end and never give up. By the grace of God, we will be champions."

FIBA