Game Day Four Wrap-Up: FIBA Africa Zone 5 U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers

Game Day Four Wrap-Up: FIBA Africa Zone 5 U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers

Ugandan Sides Dominate to Secure Tickets to FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2024

Uganda's Junior Gazelles and Silverbacks, the girls' and boys' U18 teams, have triumphantly secured their spots in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 U18 AfroBasket, set to take place in August in South Africa.

The finals at the Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala, Uganda, saw the Ugandan teams face off against the Rwandese sides. The matches were played in front of a passionate home crowd that filled the arena, offering unwavering support to their teams.

In an exhilarating boys' final marked by nine lead changes and five ties, the game was fiercely contested. Both teams matched each other in nearly every statistic except for bench contributions, where Rwanda had the edge, scoring 21-6. Despite this, only three points separated the two sides at the end.

Uganda started strong with a narrow 19-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, Rwanda responded assertively in the second quarter, outscoring Uganda 17-10 to take a 34-29 lead into halftime.

Undeterred, Uganda emerged from the locker room with renewed intensity, launching a relentless offensive that gradually eroded Rwanda's lead. With five minutes left on the clock, Rwanda was still ahead 60-56, but Uganda's determination paid off as they clinched a dramatic victory in the final minutes, winning the second half with scores of 22-16 and 18-16.

This thrilling finish underscores the resilience and skill of Uganda's young athletes as they prepare to represent their country on the continental stage at the 2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket championship.

On his part, Rwanda's Dylan Kayijuka blamed the loss on costly turnovers that he bore responsibility for.

In the girls' competition, Resty Nanangwe and Shiphrah Kiranda led the Junior Gazelles to a commanding 82-52 victory in the final, securing their ticket to the continental championship.

"The game was tight and exciting. Uganda are a great team, very aggressive. We played great but in the end made some costly mistakes and I gave the blame for it. All in all I am proud of my team. We fought hard and executed. Kudos to them for the win," he offered.

In the third-place playoff matches, Kenya emerged victorious in both categories against Tanzania. The girls' match ended 70-63, while the boys' contest concluded 79-71.

Mariam Wangari spearheaded Kenya's effort in the girls' category, scoring 18 points and nine rebounds. Violet Atieno and Valentine Korir contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively. Coached by Rose Mshila, the Kenyan side jumped to a quick 27-19 lead in the first quarter. Although Tanzania kept the remaining quarters close with scores of 21-17, 9-10, and 17-13, Kenya's early advantage proved decisive.

In the boys' match, Kenya took the opening quarter 17-14, with the second quarter ending in a 25-25 tie. Kenya then dominated the third quarter 29-15, establishing a 17-point lead in the final period. Despite Tanzania's spirited 17-8 run in the fourth quarter, it wasn't enough to overcome Kenya's lead.

These results highlight the competitive spirit and skill on display at the FIBA Africa Zone 5 U-18 AfroBasket Qualifiers, which are being held as teams prepare for the upcoming 2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket championship.