Uganda’s Gazelles return to action tonight in a crucial FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers clash against South Sudan at Hassan Moustafa Hall in Cairo.
Tip-off is set for 7 pm EAT, with Uganda aiming to bounce back from a narrow 65-62 defeat to hosts Egypt.
With AfroBasket qualification hopes on the line, the Gazelles must deliver a strong response against a South Sudanese side riding high on momentum.
South Sudan stunned Kenya 86-69 in their opening game yesterday, marking only their second-ever win in AfroBasket Qualifiers history.
Their first triumph came in 2023 against Rwanda in a 54-40 victory in Kampala.
To overcome South Sudan, Uganda must find a way to neutralize Delicia Washington, who led her side with a dominant 26-point performance against Kenya, adding seven assists and six rebounds.
She was ably supported by captain Adut Bulgak and former WNBA player Nyamuoch Teny, who both contributed 14 points apiece.
The Gazelles, however, can draw confidence from captain Jane Asinde’s stellar form. The dynamic forward has so far amassed 42 points and 14 rebounds in the tournament.
Paige Robinson has also been instrumental, tallying 39 points across two games.
History favours Uganda, with the Gazelles winning their only previous meeting against South Sudan in the 2023 Qualifiers in Kampala with a comfortable 74-53 victory.
However, tonight’s battle presents a fresh challenge, with both teams seeking a direct ticket to the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Ivory Coast.
Currently ranked 55th in the FIBA World Rankings, Uganda holds a significant edge over South Sudan, who sit at 101st.
But rankings will count for little in a high-stakes encounter where victory is the only option.
After facing South Sudan, the Gazelles will take on Burundi tomorrow before a rest day on Friday.
The tournament final, set for Saturday, will feature the top two teams, and determine which side secures automatic qualification for the continental championship of Africa.
