Amanda Zahui no longer plays in the Swedish national basketball team. The 30-year-old, who was called to this gathering, refused to play for the national team and accused the association of racism.
— I feel that it is not always a safe environment. There is a lot that has been swept under the carpet, with racism, things that should not be said and ignorant things, she told SVT.
The Swedish Basketball Association has rejected the accusations of racism.
Instead of Zahui, it was Elin Gustavsson and Klara Lundquist who were the great victory directors of the evening.
The Polish professional Gustavsson accounted for twelve points and the Södertälje player Lundquist for 18 points in the match which developed into a great drama in the final minutes where Sweden’s large lead was reduced quickly.
But the Swedes held on, winning 64–62 and thereby taking an early lead in Group D.
Great Britain is predicted to be Sweden’s main challenger for first place in the group that also includes Denmark and Estonia.
The group winner is ready for the European Championship 2025, which will be played in Greece, Italy, the Czech Republic and Germany. The top four runners-up also advance.
On Sunday, Sweden faces Denmark at home in Norrköping.