Hakizimana says Espoir to bounce back after defeat

Rwanda international Lionnel Hakizimana has challenged his Espoir teammates to forget about Monday’s defeat and focus on the remaining fixtures, including today’s encounter against Savio of Tanzania, in the ongoing FIBA Africa Zone Five Club Championships at Petit Stade in Remera.

Espoir lost 88-93 to Ugandan powerhouse City Oilers in a tightly contested pool A match.

City Oilers claimed the first two quarters 25-18, 24-18 before Jean Bahufite’s Espoir bounced back to dominate the final two  quarters 19-13 and 24-16 to level on 78 points in regular time. City Oilers won 15-10 in extra-time to steal a 93-88 win.

“We have to forget the defeat and focus on the next fixtures, our target is to win the tournament and we still stand a chance only if we choose to remain positive and mentally strong. We will learn from Monday’s defeat and do better,” Hakizimana said

Despite the loss, Hakizimana scored an impressive 33 points while Congolese-born power-forward Bienvenue Ngandu added 19 points. Joseph Enabu scored 24 points for City Oilers while Kami Kabange contributed 19 points.

The New Times

UM– USEKE.RW