Uganda Women’s National Basketball Team, Gazelles, secured their place in the final of the ongoing FIBA Zone V Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers in Cairo with a commanding 66-30 victory over Burundi.
Played at the Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall on Thursday afternoon, Uganda displayed resilience after a slow start, trailing 17-14 at the end of the first quarter.
Uganda quickly regrouped in the second quarter, led by Melisa Akullu, who scored eight points, helping the team take an eight-point lead into halftime.
The Gazelles continued to dominate after the break, extending their lead to 20 points by the end of the third quarter.
Jamila Nansikombi `Zama’ led the charge in the third, scoring 10 points, including nine from three-pointers.
In the final quarter, Uganda coach Nick Natuhereza gave playing time to youngsters Bushira Namayanja and Maxine Anyango, who contributed to the scoreline.
Nansikombi (14 points), Akullu (12 points), and Paige Robinson (10 points) led Uganda’s double-digit scoring efforts.
For Burundi, Ines Nezerwa was the only player to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points.
Uganda now looks ahead to the final on Saturday against hosts Egypt, who triumphed over South Sudan 85-64.
The winner of this clash will secure a spot in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket finals in Côte d’Ivoire.
