Rwanda Basketball boys’ team and Uganda’s Junior Gazelles, were crowned winners of the Zone five Africa U18 Championship held in Kampala, UGANDA.
Kampala, June 18, 2022, at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Rwanda U-18 climaxed the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship Zone V Qualification with an 84-43 heavy win over Tanzanians to complete an undefeated road trip of four games.
The 2022 FIBA Africa U-18 Zone 5 qualifications attracted only three countries in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Thus, teams had to face each other twice, in a traditional home and away format.
Rwanda secured the first spot before the final game after beating the hosts 72-59 in their third game. They had already beaten the latter 59-38 on the opening day, and Tanzania 73-37 in the second game.
Rwanda captain Dick Sano Rutatika had an outstanding performance in this tournament which earned him a Most Valuable Player award.
In the girls’ competition, Uganda’s Junior gazelles on Saturday afternoon defeated Tanzania 63-43 in the final day game to emerge as the new Zone five Champions. Uganda under the guidance of Ali Mavita finished the tournament with 3 wins in 4 games.
Gazelles Point guard, Sylvia Nantongo took home two accolades. She finished the tournament as the top scorer and she was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament as well.
Rwanda together with Uganda in boys and girls respectively have booked their tickets at the upcoming FIBA U18 African Championship set to be held in Madagascar from August 4th to 14th, 2022.
2022 FIBA U18 African Championship Zone V Qualification Final Standings
Boys:
- Rwanda 8 PTS
- Uganda 5 PTS
- Tanzania 5 PTS
Girls:
- Uganda 7PTS
- Tanzania 6 PTS
- Rwanda 5 PTS
