FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023
Rwanda 66 Uganda 61

Following their 66-61 quarterfinal loss to hosts Rwanda, the Gazelles have now turned their focus on fifth place in the classification games.

The loss brought the Gazelles’ dream of qualifying for the AfroBasket semifinals for the first time to the end at the BK Arena in Kigali on Wednesday night.

Regardless, the Gazelles made history by qualifying for the quarterfinals for the first time.

The Gazelles made their first appearance in 1998, finished 10th at the 2015 tournament in Yaoundé Cameroon and they have risen to the occasion at this edition.

The Gazelles came into the game against Rwanda with signs of taking the bull by the horns but a lot changed after their star player Jane Asinde twisted her ankle and was withdrawn in the second quarter.

Even then, the Gazelles came within 3 points of levelling the score with one minute left on the clock, having trailed by a 20-point gap at some point; but it was too late for Alberto Antuna’s side revival.

On the other side, the Rwandan side was motivated by the presence of President Paul Kagame who was in the stands to cheer on the team.

The Gazelles committed 26 turnovers more than 10 of Rwanda on top of failing to execute the three points scoring chances as Lydia Babirye attempted 9 and scored none.
Jannon Otto scored a game-high 31 points and 13 rebounds. Melissa Akullu added 16 points in the Gazelles' losing cause.

Gazelles head coach Antuna admitted that Jane Asinde’s injury cost the team.

“Asinde’s injury greatly affected the team’s mental state and they rose a little late to stage a fight-back. She is set to rest until the end of the tourney,” stated Antuna.

Gazelles center Akullo said despite the loss, the current team is so determined to leave a mark at the event.

“We are a young team and I believe in every single player. We have made it this far and we are not yet done, we are going to leave a mark. This was a wake-up call to us our team but it is growing, it is exciting, and super driven, we want to win, we want Uganda to be on a map somewhere and the sky is the limit.

“We made history but we want to do much better, and we feel we are not yet done. we want to do more, the federation is investing and believing in us, we are so grateful it is now up to us and we are ready to take up the challenge,” added Akullo.