Uganda’s national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, have secured their place at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket after defeating Egypt 74-63 in the Zone V Qualifiers final at Hassan Mostafa Arena in Cairo. The victory guarantees Uganda a spot at the continental tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and serves as redemption after Egypt denied them direct qualification in the 2023 edition. This will be Uganda’s fourth appearance at the Women’s AfroBasket, having previously competed in 1997, 2015, and 2023.
The Gazelles displayed resilience and tactical discipline throughout the game. Despite trailing 18-19 at the end of the first quarter, they gained control in the second and entered halftime with a solid 40-29 lead. Their dominance continued in the third quarter, extending their advantage to 61-45 before sealing the win at 74-63.
Captain Jane Asinde led from the front, registering a game-high 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. Paige Robinson also made a significant impact, contributing 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. On the opposing side, Egypt’s Raneem Elgedawy matched Asinde’s 19-point tally and secured 11 rebounds, but her efforts weren’t enough to stop Uganda’s determined charge.
Uganda entered the final with a 3-1 record in the qualifiers, with their only loss coming against Egypt in the group stage (62-65). However, key victories over Kenya, South Sudan, and Burundi, including a dominant 66-30 win, played a crucial role in their successful campaign. This triumph in Cairo marks a major milestone, as Uganda becomes the seventh team to qualify for the AfroBasket, joining hosts Ivory Coast, defending champions Nigeria, 2023 finalists Senegal, semi-finalists Rwanda and Mali, and Zone IV winners Cameroon.
Egypt had historically dominated their encounters with Uganda, winning seven of their last nine meetings. They also won the 2023 Zone V final in Kampala (74-65), forcing Uganda to rely on a wild card entry to make the tournament. However, this time, the Gazelles flipped the script, ensuring Egypt must now seek alternative qualification routes.
Uganda’s last AfroBasket appearance in 2023 saw them finish seventh, their best placement to date. With Asinde, Robinson, and a strengthened squad under coach Nicholas Natuhereza, the Gazelles will now aim for an even stronger performance when the tournament takes place from July 25 to August 3 in Abidjan.
