Game Report: Uganda dominated Egypt in a statement 74-63 win to claim the Zone 5 AfroBasket title! Jane Asinde shined with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Egypt’s late rally fell short. Both teams now head to Abidjan!
Last Updated on
February 10, 2025
The two teams came into this game with the sole goal of qualifying, but Egypt wanted to return to former glory, while Uganda wanted to keep making a name for themselves on the continent. In 2023, Egypt were ranked ninth, one of their worst performances, while Uganda, at seventh, had one of their best performances.
The two teams walked into a packed Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall, where the atmosphere was electric. Uganda won the tip-off and immediately went to the rack, where they scored the opening basket. Egypt responded with a lay-up after quickly dismantling the Ugandan defence. We were then dazzled by four consecutive possessions in which each team made two 3-pointers.
If there was any doubt that this would be a thriller, that sequence surely removed that doubt. Jane Asinde was crucial in all the runs that Uganda made, proving her calibre as the leader of this team. While Egypt settled for perimeter shots, Uganda often attacked the paint and kicked out when there was no option. The quarter ended 19-18 in favor of Uganda.
With little separation between the two nations, Coach Nicholas Natuhereza lit a fire under his squad, and it showed in the kind of second quarter they had. The Ugandan Gazelles upped the ante defensively and capitalized offensively. Hala Elshaarawy's absence due to being carried off in the first quarter after suffering an ankle injury was a massive reason behind Egypt's offensive (defensive) struggles. That being said, Paige Robinson, who executed the role of a point guard to perfection in the first quarter, opened the account in the second quarter with a 3-pointer.
Uganda then began to dominate the paint after securing a few offensive rebounds and drawing fouls in the paint. Every time Egypt seemed to get out of the rut, Uganda made a run. Jamila Nansikombi was the catalyst in the second quarter, scoring in every way possible. Her 3-pointer silenced the Egyptian crowd. This was followed up with a steal from the Gazelles, three offensive rebounds, and eventually a converted lay-up by Melissa Akullu. Uganda went on an 11-3 run. They closed off the half with the score at 40-29.
The third quarter was a repeat of the second quarter. The Gazelles did not take their foot off the pedal. They continued to push the game's tempo as though to completely wear out their opponents. Former WNBA player Paige Robinson opened her account with yet another triple. Egypt responded the traditional way with a converted bucket and a trip to the line.
Just when the Egyptians cut the deficit to single digits, Uganda went on a run. Jamila Nansikombi drained another shot from the perimeter, this time from a Jane Asinde assist. Raneem Elgadawy fought valiantly in the quarter to keep Egypt within striking distance of Uganda, but Uganda remained aggressive on defense and clinical on offense. They extended their lead at the end of the quarter to 61-45.
It looked like Egypt's curtains were closing, but their fans continued to cheer them on as they made one final push in the fourth quarter. However, it was too little, too late. Uganda managed to hold them off and claim a 74-63 victory. Raneem Elgadawy stood out for Egypt and affirmed the support of her compatriots as she recorded 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals.
However, Jane Asinde claimed MVP honors when she recorded 19 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Both teams qualified to represent their countries in Abidjan in July, but Uganda will be heading there as zonal champions.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
