Women's Afrobasket 2023: Imanizabayo ruled out of Angola clash through injury
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Rwanda's shooting guard Marie Laurence Imanizabayo will miss Sunday’s Group A game against Angola after suffering an injury. PHOTO BY DAN GATSINZI

Rwanda's shooting guard Marie Laurence Imanizabayo will miss Sunday’s Group A game against Angola after suffering an injury in Friday’s FIBA Women’s Afrobasket opening game against Côte d’Ivoire.

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Imanizabayo contributed 4 points and 2 rebounds to help the hosts beat the Ivorians 64-35 before she suffered ankle injury during an offensive play with only 51 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) Vice President Richard Nyirishema confirmed to Times Sport that Imanizabayo won’t play Angola game on Sunday as she continues to undergo extensive medical treatment, allaying fears that the injury is not worse than earlier feared.

"After undergoing medical examinations, it was revealed that veins/tendons in her ankle had shifted slightly, fortunately, there is no fracture. Our medical team is actively working to treat the injury, and we are closely monitoring her progress,” said Nyirishema.

"However, due to the injury, she will miss the upcoming game. Rest assured, we will keep a vigilant eye on her recovery process,” he added.