Friday, July 28
•Nigeria 69-35 DR Congo
•Mali 80-66 Uganda
•Rwanda 64-35 Ivory Coast
•Cameroon 55-53 Mozambique
Saturday, July 29
•DR Congo Vs Egypt
•Mozambique Vs Guinea
•Uganda Vs Senegal, 7pm
•Ivory Coast Vs Angola
Uganda Women’s national basketball team, the Gazelles, face an uphill task against Senegal in their second game at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Gazelles lost 66-80 against Mali in their opener on Friday.
The defeat was expected for starters, but the Gazelles will take pride in their fight and the great improvement they have made on their return to Afrobasket since 2015.
Uganda could have done better generally but struggled to take care of the ball that led many turnovers.
“I am super proud and extremely proud of how the girls played, we were playing against a team that months ago were playing against Canada and Australia etc at the World Cup,” Albert Antuna said.
“We were in the game for 40 minutes, obviously turnovers and offensive rebounds killed us, but the game plan was good and we really competed.”
There will be no time to rest for the Gazelles, and will have to double their efforts if they are to stop Senegal.
Jannon Otto who was Uganda’s best player in the Mali loss, looked troubled with a hurting knee towards the end of the last quarter.
And against Senegal, Uganda will need everyone at best to cause an upset.
Jane Asinde was taken off precautionary early in the game after accumulating early fouls.
Rita Imanishimwe and Evelyn Nakiyingi who were unused against Mali, may be called up on.
Senegal on the other hand, who have naturalised Cierra Dillard, have just four players from the 2021 squad that remain for the Kigali tournament with the likes of Sy Diop and Astou Traore dropped.
Tournament’s two-time MVP Ata Traore and experienced point guard Fatou Dieng, are all set to light up Kigali.
Senegal are currently third in the World rankings, but still remain the most successful team on the Continent with 11 Afrobasket titles.
Mozambique showed that Senegal are beatable, edging the side 70-69 in a practice match in Kigali recently.
How To Watch
The games will be broadcast live on StarTimes – Sports Premium
