2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket | Results

Friday, July 28, 2023

• Mali 80-66 Uganda

Uganda Women’s National Basketball, the Gazelles suffered a 66-80 loss to Mali in the 2023 FIBA Women Afrobasket at BK Arena Kigali in Rwanda on Friday evening.

It was a false start for the Gazelles in their opening game but will walk away with a number of lessons after an entertaining duel with Africa’s number two, Mali.

It was not the best show for Alberto Antuna’s troops on the continental stage as they failed to contain the pressure from the African giants.

They gave away points due to careless turnovers, poor ball handling and a couple of errors on the court. The Gazelles struggled to beat Mali’s high court press.

Supported by a sizeable number of fans, Uganda started the game on the right note leading the first quarter 19-16 but later fell behind to four points (37-33) after the halftime whistle.

Mali’s experience was shown as they showed up when it mattered most. They made sure that they created the gap in the second half punishing the Gazelles each time they faltered.

Mali’s Djeneba N’Diaye scored a game-high of 25 points and Fatoumata Sanou added 15 points to ensure they see off Uganda.

On the other hand, Jannon Otto led Uganda’s scoring board with 19 points while Brenda Ekone and Claire Lamunu added 12 and 10 to post double figures.

Next on the menu, Uganda will be facing yet other African giant Senegal.