ASB Caisse nationale de sécurité sociale (CNSS) won the 43rd edition of the women's Coupe du Congo on Sunday, defeating BC Hatari 61-53 at the twin gymnasium of the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa to retain their title. CNSS coach Raven MWIMBA described the contest as "a breathtaking match", reflecting on a final separated by eight points at the final buzzer.
MWIMBA said his side had expected a difficult evening after watching Hatari's strong showing against Makomeno. "Hatari had raised its level and we knew we would have a tough final," he said. Hatari coach Pierrot ILUNGA pointed to a drop in accuracy in the fourth quarter as the decisive factor. "Unfortunately, our shooting percentage fell in the fourth quarter, which allowed the opposition to keep their lead," he said.
CNSS have now beaten Hatari three times this season, twice during the Liprobakin regular season and final and once in the cup final. BC Makomeno took the bronze medal with an 84-48 win over BC Lupopo. The two finalists will represent the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Women's Basketball League Africa Zone IV qualifiers.
