Uganda Punks Kenya in 78-56 Blowout: Are They the New Queens of East African Hoops?

Uganda Punks Kenya in 78-56 Blowout: Are They the New Queens of East African Hoops?

Uganda wasted no time asserting its dominance over Kenya in their opening clash of the 2024 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Pre-Qualifiers, securing a commanding 78-56 victory at the Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo. From the opening tip, Uganda played with a level of discipline, energy, and execution that Kenya simply could not match. By the final buzzer, the scoreboard reflected a reality that was impossible to ignore—Uganda operates on a different level, while Kenya has serious questions to answer.

Right from the first quarter, Uganda took control, outscoring Kenya 23-11 with suffocating defence and relentless pace. Kenya managed to regroup in the second quarter, matching Uganda point-for-point (17-17), but any hopes of a comeback quickly vanished after halftime. Uganda came out of the locker room and completely stifled Kenya’s offence in the third quarter, holding them to a paltry 9 points while adding 17 of their own. By the time the final quarter rolled around, Uganda had already done the damage, coasting to a 21-19 finish to close the game.

Despite struggling from beyond the arc (28.6% from three), Uganda had little trouble controlling the game. Their defence was suffocating, holding Kenya to a shocking 26.3% shooting from inside the arc. Every Kenyan possession seemed forced, rushed, or met with resistance. Uganda’s aggressive ball pressure resulted in 16 steals, fueling 17 fast-break points—compared to just 5 for Kenya.

Another decisive factor was the rebounding battle. Uganda outrebounded Kenya 50-39, showcasing their superior physicality and effort on the board. More importantly, they converted their dominance inside into points, scoring 38 points in the paint, while Kenya could only muster 14. Uganda’s ability to share the ball was also a major advantage, as they finished with 23 team assists to Kenya’s 17.

At the heart of Uganda’s dominance was Jane Asinde, who was simply unstoppable. The free-agent forward/center put on a performance that will surely attract the attention of international club scouts, both at home and abroad, tallying 24 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and four assists. Kenya had no answer for her versatility, as she controlled the paint, disrupted passing lanes, and pushed the tempo whenever she had the ball.

For Kenya, this was a sobering defeat. Beyond the numbers, what stood out most was the lack of intensity and urgency. At times, it seemed as though Uganda was toying with them, dictating every aspect of the game. Kenya’s 26 bench points were a small bright spot, but they failed to make an impact where it truly mattered. Their inability to take care of the ball and generate easy baskets—scoring just 11 points off turnovers compared to Uganda’s 18—only compounded their struggles.

Kenya's road ahead does not get any easier, and if they hope to stay in contention, a serious adjustment is needed. Uganda, on the other hand, has made a clear statement. Their performance was not just about winning—it was about control, dominance, and proving that they are here to take over.

Watch the Full Game Below

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]