FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers
Tuesday Results
*South Sudan 68-83 Egypt
*Uganda 53-61 Kenya
Wednesday Fixtures
*5 PM – Rwanda vs South Sudan
*7: 30 PM – Uganda vs Egypt
Uganda women’s national basketball team, Gazelles fell prey to Kenya Lionesses in their opening game of the FIBA Women’s Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers on Tuesday after losing 53-61 at the MTN Arena in Lugogo, Kampala.
Kenya who are the holders hit the ground running right from the start and led the hosts 7-16 in the first quarter. The second quarter was even 18-18 with the traveling side leading 25-34 during the long halftime break.
Uganda looked energized and motivated after the break and took the third quarter after posting 17-9 to cut Kenya’s lead to just one point (42-43) heading into the final quarter.
However, Kenya Lionesses looked to be the more hungrier side and dominated the final quarter posting 11-18 to win the game by 53-61 in a fully packed arena.
Kenya’s Christine Akinyi stood out in the evening shooting a double double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Mercy Wanyama had 15 points while Madine Okot grabbed a game high 20 rebounds.
For the hosts who returned to competitive play after about four years, Jannon Otto led the way with 11 points. Brenda Ekone and Hope Akello had 10 points apiece.
The Gazelles return to action today against North Africa giants Egypt who beat South Sudan 68-83 in the opener. South Sudan on the other hand will take on Rwanda in the opening fixture of the evening.
The Gazelles are seeking to make their third appearance on the continent after debuting in 1997 and at the 2015 edition in Cameroon. They bounce back into contention for a place having missed out on the previous edition due to lack of funds.
This year’s FIBA Zone V Afrobasket finals will be held in July in Kigali, Rwanda.
