By Andrew Gum
The Uganda Gazelles have cemented their place in African basketball history once again, earning a spot in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament with a thrilling triumph in the Zone V Qualifiers.
Set to be held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from July 25 to August 3, the tournament will mark Uganda’s fourth appearance and second consecutive qualification after an intense battle in Cairo, Egypt, earlier this month
Road to qualification
This road was anything but smooth for the Gazelles. Competing against five Zone 5 teams Egypt, Kenya, South Sudan, and Burundi in a round-robin format, Uganda faced an early stumble.
On February 4, they fell to the host nation, Egypt, in a nail-biting 65-62 defeat. The loss could have shaken their resolve, but under the steady guidance of coach Nicholas Natuhereza, the Gazelles regrouped and roared back with purpose.
Their rebirth began on February 6 with a commanding 66-30 rout of Burundi, a performance that showcased their depth and determination. That win propelled them into the final, setting the stage for a rematch against Egypt on February 8 at Cairo’s Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall. This time, the Gazelles were ready to rewrite the narrative.
Victory
The final was a clash of titans, with Uganda facing an Egyptian side that had dominated Zone 5 for years, qualifying for the AfroBasket 14 times prior. The game started tightly, but the Gazelles seized control in the second quarter with a 21-11 run, holding Egypt to just five points in the final seven minutes of the period.
Captain Jane Asinde led the charge, delivering a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, complemented by five assists, two blocks, and a steal. Her efficiency rating of 23 earned her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, a fitting tribute to her leadership on and off the court.
Paige Robinson added 16 points, helping Uganda overcome their 28 turnovers a stark contrast to Egypt’s 17 by dominating the boards with a 53-34 rebounding edge and outscoring their rivals 18-11 from the bench.
The Gazelles clinched a 74-63 victory, toppling the defending Zone 5 champions and avenging both their group-stage loss and a 74-65 defeat to Egypt in the 2023 qualifiers final.
For Uganda, this triumph is more than just a ticket to Ivory Coast, it’s a statement. The Gazelles have emerged as a rising force in African women’s basketball, building on their historic seventh-place finish at the 2023 AfroBasket in Kigali, Rwanda. That result marked their best-ever performance at the tournament, and now, with their sights set on Abidjan, the team is dreaming bigger
“This victory is a testament to the hard work and resilience of our players,” said Coach Natuhereza after the final. “Beating a powerhouse like Egypt shows we belong among the continent’s elite,” he added.
For Egypt, the loss stings. Their streak of six consecutive AfroBasket appearances has ended, leaving them reliant on a wildcard to return. Meanwhile, the Gazelles are riding a wave of momentum, their fans buzzing with anticipation for what lies ahead.
Coach Natuhereza stated that the team has returned to their respective clubs as they prepare for the upcoming league season in Uganda and other countries. He emphasised that the tournament provided valuable insights into their potential opponents. For now, the priority is to recover from the demanding weeks and focus on preparations for July 25.
As the countdown to July begins, the Uganda Gazelles carry not just a qualification but a burgeoning legacy.
