By 
Uganda Women’s National Basketball team, the Gazelles lost their opening game of the 2023 FIBA Women Afrobasket in Kigali, Rwanda to Mali.
In a heated game that was played with at most intensity the Gazelles lost with a 14 point margin, a score line that projected 66-80 at the end of the four quarters.
The Gazelles started off the game so well giving Africa’s number two a proper run for their money in the first Quarter which ended 3 points apart in favor of Uganda
But with hope that the scoreline would have been better mistakes in the game poured water on part of the effort injected in.
On the other side, Mali too was no different in the opening exchange failing to convert their chances however much they applied a good press but Jannon Otto, Akulu and Hope Akello had done enough to elevate the Gazelles.
The West African side remained in the game and twitched their buttons abit and substituting their two best players in the Coulibaly’s which helped them go toe to toe in the second quarter which they eventually edged with four points.
The third quater got worse for Uganda as they looked to edge closer through Brenda Ekone’s heroics but Mali was pulling further away with three pointers and numerous foul throws.
In the final quarter, it was all over as the Gazelles looked to be out of legs but showed that they can still showcase something despite their best player, Jannon Otto being down due to a muscle issue.
With the game nearing its closure with three minutes to spare Gazelles animated head coach Albert Antuna was ejected for his second technical foul having been warned earlier.
Mali eventually came out on top Winning the same 80-66 with help from crucial Djeneba N’Diaye who raised 25 points, the most on the day.
On the Gazelles side, the amazing Jannon Otto, put up 19 points with the electric Brenda Ekone collecting 12, two in front of the experienced Claire Lamunu.
Uganda will be back to action on Saturday with 11-time champions Senegal.
