Uganda Gazelles stun Senegal to reach AfroBasket quarterfinals

2025  Women's AfroBasket 

Uganda  73 Senegal 70

The Uganda Gazelles defied expectations with a dramatic 73–70 overtime win against 11-time champions Senegal, sealing a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Côte d’Ivoire.

The match, held at Palais des Sports Treichville Arena, marked another historic moment for the rising East African side.

Paige Robinson led the scoring with 19 points, backed by captain Jane Asinde (18 points), Hope Akello (15 points), and center Claire Lamunu (10 points). Despite trailing 9–0 early on, the Gazelles rallied to lead 17–16 after the first quarter and built a 37–28 advantage by halftime. Senegal clawed back in the third quarter to lead 49–45, but Uganda forced overtime after Robinson’s clutch shot tied the game at 61.

In extra time, the Gazelles held firm to secure the three-point win—marking their second straight victory over Senegal, having edged them 85–83 in 2023 in Kigali.

Sunday’s opener had already set the tone, with Melissa Akullu delivering a stellar 26-point, 7-rebound performance in Uganda’s 88–51 blowout against Guinea. Asinde also starred in that match with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Uganda’s qualification journey began with a breakthrough win at the FIBA Zone V AfroBasket Qualifiers in Cairo, defeating Egypt 74–63 to clinch their spot in the finals.