Saturday, November 18th, 2023.- Canada has a strong track record, making them considered among the favorites to win gold in female's wheelchair basketball at Santiago 2023, and they began to prove it on the court at the Polideportivo 1 at the Estadio Nacional.

The North American team, fifth in the last World Championship at Dubai 2022 and also in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, beat Brazil 61-44 in a game that was close until the final quarter when the Parapan American champions were able to pull away.

The South American team never managed to unsettle the current continental champions but remained within striking distance. In fact, they entered the last 10 minutes trailing by only nine points.

The top scorer of the game was the Canadian Kathleen Dandeneu, who registered 25 points, confirming her scoring prowess showcased in her club in the Spanish mixed league, Econy Gran Canaria, where she is one of the top players in the championship.

In addition, in her 34 minutes on the court, she contributed with 17 rebounds.

For the Brazilians, Vileide Almeida and Perla Assuncao stood out with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Canada plays again on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. against El Salvador, while Brazil faces Colombia at 10:15 a.m.

The winner of the female's wheelchair basketball at Santiago 2023 qualifies for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, while the other finalist secures a spot in the repechage.

Written by Rodrigo Parragué; translated by Pía Barriga / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Felipe Poga / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport