- Friendly Game | Cairo
- Egypt 87-85 Uganda
Uganda’s women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, began their Afrobasket preparations with a narrow 87–85 loss to Egypt in a spirited friendly on Saturday in Cairo.
Despite the result, there were encouraging signs. The Gazelles showed fight, trimming a 15-point deficit and nearly stealing the win in a back-and-forth contest filled with lead changes and momentum swings.
Uganda got off to a slow start, falling behind 13–5 early, but regrouped to go into halftime down just 35–33. Egypt, still stung by their Zone V Championship final loss to the Gazelles earlier this year, pushed back hard, stretching their lead to 74–59 in the fourth quarter.
But Uganda’s bench brought the game to life, closing the gap in the final minutes. Melissa Akullu led with 20 points, while Jane Asinde recorded a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double. Hope Akello added 17 points, and Perus Nyamwenge chipped in 12 off the bench.
In total, Uganda’s reserves contributed 33 points, highlighting the team’s improving depth.
Egypt’s Miral Ashraf topped all scorers with 23 points, supported by Laila Khaled (16) and Raneem Mohamed (14).
With Claire Lamunu, Paige Robinson, and Mya Wasswa yet to join the team, the Gazelles are still building toward full strength.
They face Rwanda on Sunday and Cameroon on Monday as their Afrobasket warm-up continues ahead of the tournament later this month in Ivory Coast.
