27 March 2009

TANZANIA : Dar, Harare in basketball semis

By Suleiman Jongo, Arusha

Dar es Salaam and Harare yesterday qualified for the semi-finals of the East, Central and Southern Africa inter-city basketball championship.

Dar es Salaam, who are the defending champions, qualified after outwitting Mogadishu by 55-28 points, while Harare went through after seeing-off Tanga by 60-52 points.
The first quarter was wholly dominated by Dar es Salaam, who finished it leading 8-0.
As the match progressed, Mogadishu changed their game plan and attacked with long balls, but Dar es Salaam weathered the storm.
In the second quarter, Dar es Salaam registered 12 points to go into the last phase with a comfortable 20-13 lead. Maige Sylvian and Alphonce Kisweka played a big role in the victory after scoring 12 and 10 points respectively.
Mogadishu, who were making their maiden appearance in the regional tournament, are yet to win a game.

Elsewhere, Harare struggled but eventually overcame Tanga 60-52 in a fiercely contested match.Tanga suffered their second consecutive defeat which sent them crashing out of the tournament.

Harare, who are also making their first appearance in the event, played well before reaching the knock-out round.Emmanuel Mukandi and Brian Karemba were a thorn in Tanga's flesh as they scored 13 and 10 points respectively.

Speaking after the match, Tanga's coach, Frank Masumba said their exit was down to poor preparations."We tried our best, but we are now focusing on the next year's event," said Masumba.

Other cities that have qualified for the semi-finals are Mombasa and Kampala.

The fixtures for the semi-finals were drawn late last evening.
Speaking after the games, Simon Msofe, who is the president of the East, Central and Southern African basketball governing body, commended the newcomers Mogadishu and Harare for their participation.

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