Uganda’s Gazelles crushed Burundi 66-30 in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, finishing the group stage with a 3-1 record and securing a place in the winner-takes-all Zonal final.
Coming off a crucial 89-63 victory against South Sudan, the Gazelles capitalized on facing a weaker Burundi side to seal a top-two finish in the group.
Burundi started strong, leading the first quarter 17-14, thanks to Ines Nezerwa’s seven points.
However, Coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s squad dominated defensively, limiting Burundi to just five points per quarter for the rest of the game and winning the last three quarters (15-4, 17-5, 20-4) to seal a commanding 36-point victory.
With the game under control, Coach Natuhereza rotated his squad, resting key players Paige Robinson, Hope Akello, Shakirah Nanvumbya, and captain Jane Asinde—who all logged over 33 minutes in the previous win against South Sudan.
No player exceeded 28 minutes, allowing Jamila Nansinkombi and Melissa Akullu, who didn’t feature against Kenya, valuable playing time.
Both players seized the opportunity, delivering double-digit performances. Zama led all scorers with 14 points and six rebounds, while Akullu contributed 12 points and seven boards.
Nezerwa, aka Giti, led Burundi with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Uganda’s victory secures their spot in the final, likely against Egypt, the only team to defeat them in this campaign. A win for Egypt over South Sudan today would set up the final with Uganda on February 8 at Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall.
The Zone V winner will earn a spot in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
