Uganda Gazelles Stun Senegal to Book AfroBasket Quarterfinal Spot in Overtime Thriller

The Uganda Gazelles became the first team to seal a place in the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket quarterfinals, edging 11-time champions Senegal in a pulsating 73–70 overtime victory that lit up the tournament’s group stage.

In what was billed as a rematch of their 2023 classic — which Uganda won 85–83 — the contest lived up to every ounce of hype. This was more than a game; it was a statement from the East Africans, who finished top of Group C, earning a direct path to the last eight.

Despite a fast start by Senegal, who surged to a 9–0 lead in the opening five minutes, the Gazelles remained composed. Hope Akello’s three-pointer steadied the ship, and a buzzer-beating trey from Claire Lamunu gave Uganda a 17–16 first-quarter lead — their first of the game.

The second quarter saw Uganda flip the script with a 16–3 run, holding the West Africans to a single three-pointer from Lena Timera in the first four minutes. Senegal’s foul trouble compounded their woes as Uganda took a 37–28 halftime lead.

Senegal responded with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Uganda 21–8 to enter the final period up 49–45. Cierra Dillard’s seven-point burst kept Senegal afloat, and with 25 seconds left, they led by three.

Then came Paige Robinson — cool under pressure, she drained a deep three to tie the game at 61. Dillard missed back-to-back shots inside the paint, sending the game into overtime — the first of the tournament.

Uganda would not be denied. Outscoring Senegal 12–9 in the extra period, the Gazelles wrapped up another historic win over the record champions.

Paige Robinson was the star of the night, leading Uganda with 19 points, including clutch triples in regulation and overtime. Jane Asinde, the reigning Zone 5 MVP, backed her up with a near triple-double: 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists, including 12 made free throws.

🔢 Key Stats

Though Senegal led in most statistical categories, their inability to contain Uganda’s perimeter shooting proved costly. The Gazelles shot 9-of-23 from beyond the arc, while Senegal hit just 3-of-22 (13.6%), despite boasting elite shooters like Dillard and Ndioma Kane.

Senegal forward Fatou Pouye:
“We made small mistakes, and they cost us the game. Rebounding hurt us, and we need to play with more heart and discipline if we want to move forward.”

Uganda’s Jane Asinde:
“We didn’t start strong, but we never gave up. With their size advantage, we knew we had to shoot from outside and box out hard. The small details made the difference.”

Uganda, for the second AfroBasket in a row, have toppled a continental giant and are emerging as a force to be reckoned with. For Senegal, it’s back to the drawing board as they face Rwanda in the Round of 16.

Uganda marches on — fearless, focused, and full of belief