Junior Gazelles Fall Short of FIBA U19 World Cup Spot

Friday, September 13
*Mali 103-45 Cameroon
*Nigeria 71-67 Uganda

Saturday, September 14
3rd: Uganda Vs Cameroon – 1pm
Final: Mali Vs Nigeria – 6pm

Uganda women’s U18 basketball team, the Junior Gazelles, fell short of securing a spot at the FIBA U19 World Cup after a hard-fought semi-final loss to Nigeria at the FIBA U18 Afrobasket in South Africa.

With only two World Cup berths available, Uganda’s path to the global event in the Czech Republic hinged on advancing to the final.

Despite their previous victory over Nigeria in the group stages, the Junior Gazelles struggled in the semi-final, ultimately succumbing to a narrow defeat.

Throughout the game, Uganda trailed for the majority, though they stayed within striking distance despite committing 27 turnovers.

Key contributors for Uganda included Resty Nanangwe with 16 points, Christine Namyalo with 13, and Bushira Namayanja also with 13.

Nigeria’s Idubamo Beggi led the scoring with 23 points, supported by Marvis Wandoso, Ayomide Momoluwa, and John Patience, each contributing 9 points. Isaac Abigail added 8 points and 14 rebounds.

The match saw Uganda trailing 20-21 after the first quarter, with Nigeria extending their lead to 45-39 by halftime.

The Gazelles fought hard, entering the final quarter just seven points behind, but struggled with their free-throw shooting, missing 15 attempts and ultimately falling short.

This semi-final appearance marked Uganda’s best performance at the Afrobasket, with this being their fifth appearance in the tournament.

They will now face Cameroon in the battle for the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Nigeria, who previously lost to Egypt and Uganda in the group stages, will face Mali in the final, showcasing their resilience by overcoming these early setbacks in the knockout rounds.