Abidjan, July 27 – Uganda’s Gazelles pulled off a stunning 73-70 overtime win over 11-time champions Senegal to finish top of Group C with a perfect 2-0 record, securing a direct spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
The victory marks a major statement in the tournament from Nicolas Natuhereza’s side, who once again got the better of the 2023 finalists following their narrow 85-83 win in Kigali two years ago.
🇺🇬 Uganda’s Gazelles tipped off their #AfroBasketWomen 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, stunning Guinea 🇬🇳 88-51 in Group C.
Melissa Akullu starred with 26 points and 7 rebounds, powering Nick Atuhereza’s side to victory.
Next up: a top-of-the-group clash with 🇸🇳 tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/Bb1cOapeOT
— Ground Sports (@GroundSports1) July 27, 2025
Following a 37-point win over Guinea in the opening game, Uganda trailed by 9 just three minutes in, but a timely timeout sparked an 8-0 run, helping the Gazelles edge the first quarter 17-16.
Uganda’s fast breaks and tight defense powered a 14-point lead midway through the second quarter, but Senegal trimmed it to 9 by halftime, trailing 37-28.
Senegal’s zone defense cut Uganda’s lead to 49-43 in the third, but Asinde and Robinson led a late surge. Robinson’s clutch three forced overtime.
In the extra period, Robinson delivered once again with another cold-blooded three-pointer, leaving Senegal little room for a comeback.
Asinde led by example, finishing with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Robinson scored a team-high 19 points, while Hope Akello added 15.
For Senegal, only Cierra Dillard (15) and Yacine Diop (13) reached double digits.
With the result, Uganda becomes the first team to secure a quarterfinal berth. Senegal, meanwhile, will face Rwanda in a qualification playoff for a place in the last eight.
