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They didn’t flinch. Thanks to a masterful endgame performance from Rebecca Akl and Jillian Archer, the Lebanese women secured their spot in Division A of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on Friday in Shenzhen. Final score: 67–57 against Indonesia.
They believed until the very end. The Indonesians clawed their way back from the brink, but it was the Cedars who had the last word. Led by a red-hot captain Rebecca Akl and the ever-present Jillian Archer, Lebanon pulled itself out of a tight trap to save its place among Asia’s elite. A victory wrenched out with guts, nerves, and ice-cold composure.
The script initially looked like a nightmare in the making: after leading by 17 points (58–41), the Lebanese saw their advantage melt away like snow in the sun. At 58–57, Indonesia was breathing down their necks. That’s when the Akl–Archer duo sparked the comeback: a powerful basket by the American center, then a missile from deep by Akl with 1:15 left. Lebanon could breathe again — Indonesia wobbled.
Then came the final blow. When the Lebanese defense forced Shoimah into a turnover, the game was nearly sealed. Two clutch free throws by Akl, followed by two more from Amar Mansour with 12 seconds on the clock. Curtain. Lebanon stays in Division A — mission accomplished.
“Total respect to Indonesia. We were up by 16 but they never gave up. They really made the game tough,” acknowledged veteran Cedars coach Paul Coughter.
“But we held on — and we’re staying in Division A. That’s vital for our women’s program.”
Captain Courage
Once again, Rebecca Akl showed why she’s the boss.
26 points — including 14 in a thunderous third quarter — 4 three-pointers, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal… and shoulders broad enough to carry a nation.
When Lebanon was in doubt, she stepped up. When Lebanon was trembling, she held it all together.
Amar Mansour delivered a solid performance too: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and relentless hustle.
Archer, quieter offensively (6 points), was indispensable under the rim with 12 rebounds.
A savior trio for a team that nearly lost everything… only to end up keeping it all.
Indonesia Goes Down
On the Indonesian side, Kim Pierre-Louis (16 points, 11 rebounds) gave it her all. Shoimah (8 points) even led an 8–0 run that shook the entire Lebanese bench.
But the beautiful journey of the 2023 Division B champions ends early: zero wins in four games, and a quick return to the lower tier.
In 2027, Lebanon will once again face the best teams in Asia… in the Philippines. A challenge awaits.
But for now, it’s time for relief and pride in having held firm.
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