Melissa Akullu delivered a monster performance in Uganda’s AfroBasket opener against Guinea, but her mind is already on the bigger test ahead—Senegal.
After torching Guinea for 26 points and 7 rebounds in Uganda’s 88-51 win on Saturday, the Portugal-based center made it clear the Gazelles aren’t getting comfortable.
“Our coaches had us ready before the tournament and we knew we needed this win,” Akullu said after the game in Abidjan.
“We play Senegal next and from there it only gets tougher. We came in locked in, played for each other, and I’m proud we got the result.”
Uganda’s win over Guinea was dominant in every way—from a 22-0 third quarter run to a 48-10 advantage in points off turnovers.
But Akullu knows that Senegal, who Uganda famously beat in 2023, will be an entirely different challenge.
“We beat them last time, yes, but this is a new team. The game has grown. We’re coming in with a new mindset,” she said.
“We want to take care of the little things—follow the game plan, rebound, execute on both ends. If we do that, we’ll be able to compete.”
Uganda face Senegal today, Monday 28 July, at 3 PM, in what could be the group’s defining matchup. A win would send the Gazelles straight to the quarterfinals. A loss would push them into the Classification Round.
