Uganda’s national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, is fully focused on their upcoming clash against South Sudan in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers, determined to bounce back from their narrow defeat to hosts Egypt.
The match, set for tonight at 7 pm EAT, is crucial for Uganda’s quest to qualify for the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket in Ivory Coast.
Head coach Nicholas Natuhereza emphasized that the team has already put the loss to Egypt behind them and is concentrating on correcting the mistakes that allowed the Pharaohs to seize the win.
“We’ve already moved on from yesterday’s game,” said Natuhereza. “We know what we need to do, and we will be addressing the errors we made in the final moments against Egypt. We have to manage games better and finish strong. South Sudan will be a tough opponent, but we are ready to give our best.”
Uganda’s next challenge is particularly personal, as they face a familiar foe in South Sudan, who are managed by former Gazelles head coach Albert Antuna, who led Uganda during the 2023 Women’s AfroBasket campaign.
The match promises to be a battle of minds as Antuna is well-acquainted with the Gazelles’ tactics and style of play, but Natuhereza’s squad is undeterred.
Forward Melissa Akullo also acknowledged the unique challenge posed by facing their former head coach but emphasized that the Gazelles are determined to get back into a winning mindset.
“South Sudan will definitely be a tough opponent, especially with Coach Albert’s experience,” said Akullo. “But we know what we need to do. We have to come out strong, get into the winning mindset from the very beginning, and lead from the first whistle. We can’t afford to make the same mistakes again.”
With their qualification hopes on the line, the Gazelles are determined to put their best foot forward and maintain their momentum as they head into this crucial matchup.
The game against South Sudan promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle, and Uganda will be eager to secure a win that could prove pivotal in their quest for a spot at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket.
