Uganda Stun Hosts Egypt to Clinch Women’s AfroBasket Zone Five Qualifiers

CAIRO, Egypt – Revenge mission accomplished!

Uganda’s Gazelles are the new champions of the Women’s AfroBasket Zone Five Qualifiers after a commanding 74-63 victory over defending champions Egypt. This triumph not only avenged last year’s heartbreak but also secured Uganda’s ticket to Abidjan for this year’s continental showdown.

Uganda, led by head coach Nicholas Natuhereza, had suffered a painful 74-65 defeat to Egypt in the 2023 Zone Five final. This time, however, they flipped the script in Cairo, silencing the home crowd and celebrating a historic victory. The win also avenged Uganda’s 65-62 group stage loss to Egypt earlier in the tournament.

Turning Point: Uganda’s Defensive Masterclass

The Gazelles took control in the second quarter with a decisive 21-11 run. In a stunning defensive effort, they restricted Egypt to just five points in the last seven minutes—only one basket and three free throws. This defensive dominance set the tone for the rest of the game.

Uganda extended their lead with a 21-16 third-quarter performance, ensuring that Egypt’s 18-13 fourth-quarter push was not enough to change the outcome.

Game Hero: Jane Asinde Shines Bright

Uganda’s captain, Jane Asinde, delivered a stellar performance, leading her team with 19 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. She also contributed five assists, two blocks, and a steal, finishing with a game-high efficiency rating of 23. Her leadership and impact on both ends of the floor earned her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Key Stats: Numbers That Defined the Game

• Turnover Battle: Uganda registered 28 turnovers compared to Egypt’s 17 but still outscored the hosts 14-10 from those mistakes.
• Three-Point Shooting: Egypt, known for their perimeter shooting, struggled mightily, making just 4 of 29 attempts. Uganda capitalized, hitting 6 of 17 from beyond the arc.
• Rebounding Dominance: Uganda out-rebounded Egypt 53-34, with a staggering 37-22 advantage on defensive rebounds.
• Bench Production: Uganda’s depth proved crucial, outscoring Egypt’s bench 18-11.

Uganda now heads to the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 as Zone Five champions, marking a significant milestone for the team. Meanwhile, Egypt’s hopes of making their seventh consecutive AfroBasket appearance now depend on securing a wild card invitation.

They Said It

🏀 Coach Nicholas Natuhereza:

The first time I coached the national team in 2017 was here in Cairo, and it was a tough tournament for us. Losing last year’s final at home was heartbreaking, but winning this one on Egyptian soil makes it even sweeter. I’m proud of my team for their resilience and hard work.”

🏀 Captain Jane Asinde:

I can’t explain the joy of leading this team to victory. Losing in the group stage actually helped us—it gave us the chance to correct our mistakes and come back stronger. I’m overwhelmed and grateful.”

With the Gazelles now preparing for the AfroBasket finals, Uganda’s women’s basketball continues to rise on the African stage. The journey to Abidjan begins!