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Uganda’s national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, have clinched their spot at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket after defeating Egypt 74-63 in the Zone V Qualifiers final at the Hassan Mostafa Arena in Cairo.
Gazelles with trophy.
This triumph not only ensures Uganda’s direct qualification for the continental tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, but also provides a sense of sweet revenge against Egypt, who had denied them a place in the 2023 edition.
Despite trailing Egypt 18-19 at the end of the first quarter, the Gazelles surged ahead in the second quarter, entering halftime with a solid 40-29 lead.
Uganda extended their advantage further in the third quarter, reaching 61-45 before closing out the game at 74-63.
Captain Jane Asinde was instrumental in the victory, posting a game-high 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Paige Robinson also shone with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Egypt’s Raneem Elgedawy matched Asinde’s 19 points, adding 11 rebounds in a strong effort for the Pharaohs.
The Gazelles entered the final with a 3-1 record, having previously lost to Egypt 52-55 in the group stage.
However, they secured crucial wins over Kenya, South Sudan, and Burundi, including a dominant 66-30 victory over the latter.
Uganda’s triumph in Cairo marks their fourth AfroBasket appearance, joining Ivory Coast, defending champions Nigeria, 2023 finalists Senegal, semi-finalists Rwanda and Mali, and Zone IV winners Cameroon.
Historically, Egypt had dominated their matchups, winning seven of the previous nine meetings, including the 2023 Zone V final in Kampala (74-65) that saw Uganda relying on a wild card entry.
This time, the Gazelles reversed the trend, sending Egypt back to the drawing board in their quest for qualification with hope of clinching a wildcard.
Uganda’s best-ever AfroBasket finish came in 2023, where they secured 7th place.
With Asinde, Robinson, and a strengthened squad under coach Nicholas Natuhereza, Uganda now aims for an even stronger performance in Abidjan, which will run from July 25 to August 3, 2025.
On individual level, Gazelles Captain who registered two double-doubles in five matches, in both against Egypt and also came up for 18 points and 14 rebounds in the group phase match, doubling down in the final where she added 12 rebounds to her 19 points.
Gazelles Captain Jane Asinde with her MVP Accolade.
With these perfomances, Asinde clinched the MVP accolade and also made the team of the tournament alongside South Sudan guard Delicia Washington, Egyptian shooting guard Nadine Mohamed, small forward Victoria Reynolds from Kenya and center Raneem Elgedawy.
Asinde with fellow players in Team of Tournament.
For third place, South Sudan beat Kenya 80-63 for the second consecutive time in the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers to secure bronze in the five-team competition.
