Uganda’s women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, secured a thrilling 74-63 victory over hosts Egypt to win the Women’s AfroBasket Zone Five Qualifiers, avenging past defeats and booking their place in this year’s continental competition in Abidjan.
The win marked a revenge mission for Uganda who had previously lost to Egypt in the 2023 Zone Five qualifiers final.
Their defeat to Egypt in the group stage of this tournament also added fuel to their determination to succeed.
After a tight first quarter, Uganda dominated the second, outscoring Egypt 21-11.
They held Egypt to just five points in the last seven minutes of the period, with most of Egypt’s points coming from free throws.
This established a solid lead that Uganda maintained throughout the second half, even though Egypt fought back in the final quarter.
Captain Jane Asinde was instrumental in the win, leading her team with a double-double performance of 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Despite Uganda recording 28 turnovers compared to Egypt’s 17, they outscored their opponents off turnovers (14-10).
Egypt, known for their three-point shooting, struggled to connect, making just 4 of 29 attempts, while Uganda hit 6 of 17.
Additionally, Uganda dominated the boards, out rebounding Egypt 53-34.
Uganda’s victory not only earned them the title but also a coveted spot at this year’s FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s hopes of a seventh consecutive appearance now hinge on securing a wild card.
Gazelles Head Coach Nicholas Natuhereza reflected on the emotional journey, especially after previous losses in Cairo, stating,
“This feels sweeter winning in their backyard. I’m proud of all the players for their effort.”
Uganda’s Journey to Final
FIBA Zone V Qualifiers – Group Phase Results.
- Uganda 78-56 Kenya
- Egypt 55-52 Uganda
- Uganda 83-69 South Sudan
- Uganda 60-30 Burundi
Final
- Uganda 74-63 Egypt
Full Squad of players that has secured AfroBaset ticket in Abidjan, Ivory Coast;
Jane Asinde, Hope Akello, Paige Robinson, Shakira Nanvubya, Sheila Lamunu, Maxine Anyango, Jamilah Nansikombi, Agatha Kamwada, Melisa Akullu, Bushira Namayanja, Becky Longom, Claire Lamunu
Individual Accolades
On the day of the final, Gazelles Captain Jane Asinde was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award after an outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
She accumulated 19 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal, earning her the MVP title for the tournament with a remarkable 23 efficiency rating against Egypt in final.
However, Asinde’s excellence was not limited to the final; she had been consistent throughout the Qualifier tournament.
In the opener against East African rivals Kenya, she grabbed a game high 24 points and 9 rebounds.
Despite a group loss to Egypt, she contributed 18 points and 5 rebounds. Asinde then posted another game high performance with 28 points and 9 rebounds in a victory over South Sudan, before being rested in the win against Burundi.
“I’m grateful we lost in the group stage, as it allowed us to correct our mistakes and come back stronger to win it all.” an overwhelmed Asinde said
Other awards clinched by;
Best Rebounder – Adut Bulgak (South Sudan)
Best Blocker – Ines Nererwa ( Burundi)
Best Shooter – Nadine Mohamed (Egypt)
Fair Play trophy – Burundi
Team of the tournament
Jane Asinde (Uganda), Delicia Washington (South Sudan), Nadine Mohamed (Egypt), Victoria Reynolds ( Kenya) and Raneem Eldegawy (Egypt)
Meanwhile, South Sudan in a placement game beat 2021 qualifiers Champion Kenya 80-63 for the second consecutive time in the 2025 Qualifier tournament to secure third position
Therefore the East African side, finished Fourth at this year below Alberto Atuna coached South Sudan side.
- Uganda – Gold
- Egypt – Silver
- South Sudan – Bronze
