The Ugandan Gazelles are officially the queens of Zone 5!
With a dominant 74-63 victory over defending champions Egypt, Uganda not only avenged last year’s heartbreak but also punched their ticket to Abidjan for this year’s FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
This win wasn’t just about securing a spot. It was about redemption.
In 2023, Uganda fell to Egypt in the Zone 5 final, a 74-65 loss that left them hungry for another shot.
This time, under head coach Nicholas Natuhereza, they made sure history didn’t repeat itself. The result? A celebration-filled court and a statement win that echoed across African basketball.
The Turning Point
The game started as a tight contest, but Uganda flipped the script in the second quarter.
A massive 21-11 run put the Egyptians on the back foot. In the final seven minutes of the half, Egypt managed just five points—only one field goal, with the rest coming from free throws. That defensive stand gave Uganda an edge they never surrendered.
The Gazelles kept their foot on the gas in the second half. They edged Egypt 21-16 in the third quarter, and although the hosts took the final frame 18-13, it wasn’t nearly enough to shift the outcome.
Jane Asinde Shines
One more post game reaction from the captain Jane Asinde and head coach Nicholas Natuhereza #GazellesBasketball pic.twitter.com/DGKYdWl2vP
— Gazelles Basketball (@GazellesUG) February 9, 2025
If there was ever any doubt about Jane Asinde’s leadership, this game erased it. The team captain delivered a stellar double-double—19 points, 12 rebounds—outplaying everyone on the court.
She wasn’t just scoring; she was everywhere. Five assists, two blocks, and a steal added to her all-around brilliance, finishing the campaign with a 23 efficiency rating.
No surprise that she was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Numbers That Tell the Story
- Turnovers? No problem. Uganda committed 28 turnovers compared to Egypt’s 17, yet they still outscored their opponents on points off turnovers (14-10).
- Egypt’s three-point struggles. A team known for sharpshooting, Egypt hit just 4-of-29 from deep. Uganda? A more efficient 6-of-17.
- Rebounding dominance. Uganda out-rebounded Egypt 53-34, including a 37-22 advantage on defensive boards.
- Bench impact. Uganda’s depth showed, winning the bench points battle 18-11.
What’s Next?
Uganda heads to the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket as Zone 5 champions.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s streak of six consecutive AfroBasket appearances is now in jeopardy. Their only hope? A wild card invitation.
They Said It
Coach Nicholas Natuhereza: “The first time I coached Uganda in 2017 was right here in Cairo, and it was tough. Losing to this same team in the 2023 final at home hurt. But winning in their backyard? That’s special. I’m incredibly proud of my team.”
Captain Jane Asinde: “Leading this team to victory is a feeling I can’t put into words. Losing to Egypt in the group stage actually helped us—we learned, we adjusted, and we came back stronger. Now, we’re champions.”
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. The Ugandan Gazelles are here, and they’re ready to take on Africa’s best. Abidjan, get ready.
