adminNgqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE women’s and men’s basketball teams put up a formidable performance to win two bronze medals in their African Union Sports Council Region 5 playoff matches against South Africa at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair on Saturday.
The Zimbabwean women’s team, who went into their encounter against their neighbours fatigued from their tough semi-final battle against Mozambique, put up a good fight winning the match 52-39 after gaining an early lead and maintaining it to the end of the match.
In the women’s final match pitting Angola and Mozambique, Angola beat Mozambique 41-39 making them the champions of the Region 5 women’s basketball.
In the men’s category, a fast paced play-off game pitting the hosts and South Africa, saw the visitors lead in the first quarter from a series of three pointers.
Zimbabwe got back into the game in the second quarter taking charge and opening a 10-point lead which their opponents failed to beat for the rest of the game. By the end of the 2nd quarter Zimbabwe were leading 26-16 getting into halftime with scores at 41-27. Zimbabwe kept holding sway with a strong defence and an energetic attacking force, and finally made off with the bronze medal after a 71-64 win.
Zimbabwean coach Sam Mutsvanga said the team put up a good fight and made the nation proud by winning medals.
Meanwhile, in the men’s final, Angola struck gold after beating rivals Mozambique 54-49.
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derick.khumalo