Final Day Result
Uganda 74 – 63 Egypt
Kenya 80 – 63 South Sudan
Egypt came into the finals with a chip on their shoulders having an unbeaten run in the group stages. The two teams played against each other earlier and the Egyptian side won with a marginal three-point difference. Uganda on the other hand had three wins and a loss to the Egyptian side. The Ugandan side led by their captain, Jane Asinde, wasted no time and scored first, which marked their final step in the journey to FIBA AfroBasketball Games later this year in Côte d’Ivoire. The first quarter was an exchange of baskets for the two teams and even though Uganda led in the first half, Egypt was just one point away from regaining the lead (19-18).
The Gazelles tore away in the second quarter outscoring the Al Ahly side by 10 points. At the half, Uganda was leading 40-29. The host country Egypt, was no stranger to being in such positions, and in the second half there was more offensive action from their side but the Ugandan side responded to every basket the Egyptians made.
The third quarter ended (61-45) in favor of Uganda. The Gazelles knew best not to get comfortable as the Egyptian side displayed great basketball in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the Ugandan side had established a lead they could not recover. The Egypt side outscored Uganda (18-13) in the last quarter. Asinde of Uganda led the team with 19 points and Raneem Elgedawy led the Egyptian side with 19 points.
Past Meetings
In 2023, the Uganda Gazelles were offered a wild card ticket to the FIBA AfroBasketball Games in Rwanda after losing to the Egyptian side 74-65. The Egyptian side, which secured a ticket to the FIBA AfroBasketball Games for the past seven editions of the tournament will miss out this season. This is a total blow to the team whose dominance in the region has been ongoing for a long time. The team hopes for a wild card to play in their favor and will probably have a chance at the tournament.
South Sudan Registers a Historic Run
For the first time, South Sudan registered three wins at the tournament. The team played against the Kenya Lionesses in the third-place game and shocked them with another win after the two previously met in the group stages. South Sudan won the game with a 17-point difference and finished the tournament in third place.
Awards
MVP: Jane Asinde, Uganda (Averaged 18.8 points, 10 rebounds and 4.8 assists)
Best Rebounder: Adut Bulgak, South Sudan
Best Blocker: Ines Nezerwa (Burundi)
Best shooter: Nadine Mohamed (Egypt)
Fair Play: Burundi
Overall Table
Uganda, 4 wins 1 loss
Egypt, 4 wins 1 loss
South Sudan, 3 wins 2 losses
Kenya, 2 wins 3 losses
Burundi, 0 wins 4 losses
