FBA Gladiators delivered an outstanding performance for Côte d’Ivoire at the 2026 Women’s Basketball Africa League (WBAL) Zone 3 qualifiers, held from November 4 to 8 at the SKD Gymnasium in Monrovia, Liberia. The Ivorian champions completed a perfect campaign, winning all five of their games to qualify for the final phase, scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from December 11 to 20.
Five Games, Five Wins
Led by head coach Benga Lemou and backed by club president Safiatou Traoré, the Ivorian side dominated the competition throughout the qualifying tournament.
The Gladiators opened their campaign with a 75–52 victory over Benin’s Énergie Basket on Wednesday, November 4. The following day, they faced a tougher challenge against Nigeria’s First Bank, eventually securing a narrow 55–54 win.
Their third game produced an impressive offensive display against Liberia’s FLAMES. FBA cruised to a 112–51 victory, led by Elisabeth Dabou, who scored a game-high 24 points. Saran Diakité, Bintou Traoré and Kaba Kandara each added 13 points.
The Ivorian champions continued their winning run against Liberia’s D-Rockas. On Saturday, November 7, they recorded their biggest victory of the tournament, winning 104–35 and securing qualification for the final phase ahead of their last game.
FBA wrapped up the qualifiers on Sunday, November 8, with a 77–59 victory over Nigeria’s MFM Queens, finishing the tournament with a perfect 5–0 record.
Cairo Awaits in December
With this impressive run, FBA Gladiators won the Zone 3 qualifiers and secured their place in the 2026 WBAL final phase.
The Ivorian club will now join the continent’s top teams in Cairo, Egypt, from December 11 to 20, as they look to continue their successful run on the African stage.