Uganda and Egypt will clash in a decisive final on Saturday, with the winner earning the sole ticket to the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan.
The highly anticipated showdown at the Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo brings together the two best teams of the Zone V Qualifiers, both of whom competed at last year’s AfroBasket tournament.
Uganda is seeking back-to-back appearances at the continental showpiece, while Egypt is aiming for a seventh consecutive qualification.
The two sides already faced off earlier in the tournament, with the hosts edging a tightly contested game 65-62.
Coach Amr Elmaraghy’s side capitalized on late-game execution to secure that win, with Hala Elshaarawy’s clutch performance proving the difference.
Heading into the final, Uganda’s head coach Nicholas Natuhereza has emphasized the need for his team to remain disciplined and make the necessary adjustments.
“Egypt had a little more than us at the end and made the plays to close the game, which is something we need to look at,” Natuhereza said. “We’ve been in this position before where we needed to win the last game to qualify, but we came up short. Hopefully, we get it right this time.”
The Gazelles have had a day off to rest after playing four consecutive games, a factor Natuhereza believes will help them be fresher for the final.
“We will be looking at our game both offensively and defensively, correcting mistakes, and trying to control their top players,” he added.
Uganda’s Jamila Nansikombi stressed the importance of staying aggressive and focused. “We need to keep our heads up, focus on the little things, and pay attention to the details,” she said.
On the other side, Egypt knows they will be facing a highly motivated opponent.
Guard Meral Abdelgawad, who has averaged 10.3 points in the qualifiers, acknowledged that Uganda pushed them in the group stage and expects an even tougher battle in the final.
Assistant coach Aliaa Mahmoud echoed that sentiment. “The final will be different from the other games. Both teams have studied each other, and there will be a change in strategy. We have to look at the areas where we did not execute well and correct them. We will be ready for them.”
With both teams knowing what’s at stake, the final promises to be a tense battle for the lone ticket to AfroBasket 2025. Tip-off is set for Saturday at the Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall.
