Rwanda gets wild card to Africa Cup finals

DESPITE losing the final match to Egypt in the Zone 5 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, Rwanda men’s basketball team has been granted passage to participate in the 2013 African Cup of Nations due to be held in August in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.The men’s team reached the final only to be denied the title by mighty Egyptians following an 82-76 victory on Saturday. Kenny Gasana was Rwanda’s top scorer with 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds.This was Rwanda’s second loss to Egypt in the same tournament. Both sides met in the opening match where Egypt ruthless bea Rwanda 96-57. Rwanda basketball federation secretary general Richard Mutabazi confirmed the wild card news yesterday. “Fiba Africa has given us (Rwanda) a wildcard to compete in the Africa Cup despite missing out the spot in the final,” he said. “The team did well in the Zone V qualifiers and despite not managing to defend the title, we are generally proud of the team which was composed mainly of young players,” added Mutabazi.Mutabazi confirmed that they are now waiting for the official communication from Fiba Africa boss Eng. Morris Aluanga.Rwanda will join Egypt in the African Men’s Cup in August while Kenya and Egypt will participate in the Africa Women’s Cup which will be held in Mozambique in September.

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Rwanda gets wild card to Africa Cup finals