The Uganda National Basketball Team, the Gazelles, fought hard to overcome a 14-point deficit, but foul trouble proved costly as they fell to Egypt 62-65 in their second game of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers.
The February 4 match at Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall saw Uganda welcome back Jamila Nansikombi after five years, though she had little impact after missing the first game due to visa issues.
The Gazelles struggled early, trailing 14-23 at the end of the first quarter, with the deficit growing to 14 points in the first two minutes of the second. However, Nicholas Natuhereza’s side mounted a strong comeback, narrowing the gap to just one point at halftime (32-33).
Egypt took control in the third quarter, limiting Uganda to just nine points. The Gazelles scored their first basket after six minutes, finishing the period behind 41-46.
Jane Asinde and Hope Akello led Uganda’s final-quarter charge, claiming their first lead at 51-50 after six minutes. However, Akello fouled out, and Nanvubya was in foul trouble, allowing Egypt, already in the bonus, to capitalize and regain momentum.
With 1:25 remaining, the game stood tied at 59-59, but Hala Elshaarawy and Farida Abdelnabi sank back-to-back layups to give Egypt a four-point cushion.
Uganda’s Robinson Paige responded with two free throws, but Elshaarawy’s late layup restored a two-possession lead with 19 seconds left.
Asinde had a chance to cut the deficit but converted only one of two free throws, sealing the 62-65 loss.
With this result, the Gazelles sit second in the standings behind undefeated Egypt.
Uganda takes on South Sudan Wednesday in a second-place battle following South Sudan’s win over Kenya.
A victory would improve Uganda’s standing before facing Burundi, the group’s weakest team, with the top two teams battling in a winner-takes-all final for a spot in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025.
