Uganda’s U18 girls’ basketball team, the Junior Gazelles have finished fourth in the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket after a today’s narrow 70-66 loss to debutants Cameroon in the third-place playoff in Pretoria, South Africa.
Despite a spirited performance, the Junior Gazelles fell just short of a podium finish, a result that nonetheless marked significant progress compared to their previous outings in the competition.
Coach John Omondi team lost their first-ever semifinal clash against 2018 silver medalists Nigeria yesterday, setting up a battle for bronze against Cameroon, who had lost to defending champions Mali.
In the third-place encounter, Uganda got off to a slow start, falling behind 6-0 early on before Sonia Okulu and Modesta Anyango responded to bring the team back within striking distance.
Resty Nanangwe’s layup gave Uganda their first lead of the game at 11-10, but Cameroon’s Damaris Emedie put her side back ahead, ending the first quarter at 15-13.
Uganda’s defense struggled to contain Emedie, who dominated the paint throughout the contest. By halftime, she had already racked up a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, leading Cameroon to a 33-30 advantage.
Despite the deficit, the Junior Gazelles fought hard, with Nanangwe and Anyango keeping the game close.
The third quarter saw Uganda push hard to close the gap. Anyango opened the second half with a quick basket, narrowing the score to 36-35.
Both sides traded baskets in a tense period, with Uganda briefly tying the game at 58 and again at 61 in the final quarter.
However, Cameroon’s resilience and superior rebounding proved decisive, as they closed out the game with a 70-66 victory.
Emedie once again led the charge for Cameroon, finishing with 19 points and a staggering 24 rebounds, while Kelya Kipo added 19 points.
For Uganda, Nanangwe was the top scorer with 19 points, while Anyango contributed 16, and Melissa Taliba added 12.
Despite the close defeat, Uganda’s fourth-place finish represents a positive step forward for the Junior Gazelles, who showed significant improvement in their campaign.
Speaking after the game, team captain Bushira Namayanja reflected on the tournament: “Despite the loss, which is painful, it is a learning moment for us as a squad, having bettered the results from previous assignments.”
“We are proud of our run and have picked valuable lessons. Next time, Uganda will be in the Final,” she promised.
