Sports
Junior Gazelles stare down knockout hurdle after Côte d’Ivoire loss
Uganda made a strong start to the tournament on Thursday, beating East African rivals Kenya 84-57.
Junior Gazelles stare down knockout hurdle after Côte d’Ivoire loss
By: Chrispus Baluku, Journalist @New Vision
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2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Afrobasket
Group A
Uganda 84 Kenya 57
Côte d’Ivoire 80 Uganda 44
Monday
Uganda v Central African Republic, 4:30 pm
Uganda’s Junior Gazelles will play their final Group A game against Central African Republic on Monday, needing a win to improve their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Afrobasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Uganda made a strong start to the tournament on Thursday, beating East African rivals Kenya 84-57.
The Junior Gazelles led 40-31 at half-time before taking control in the second half.
Melissa Taliba and Rose Musundi led Uganda with 25 points each. Taliba also had 15 rebounds, while Musundi added five rebounds and five steals.
Mary Hazel Ssengendo scored 14 points and collected seven rebounds, while Vanessa Nakalembe had 12 assists, seven rebounds and six steals.
However, Uganda struggled against hosts Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday, losing 80-44.
Melissa Taliba and Rose Musundi led Uganda with 25 points each. Taliba also had 15 rebounds, while Musundi added five rebounds and five steals.
Mary Hazel Ssengendo scored 14 points and collected seven rebounds, while Vanessa Nakalembe had 12 assists, seven rebounds and six steals.
However, Uganda struggled against hosts Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday, losing 80-44.
The defeat exposed some problems in Uganda’s game, particularly ball control and rebounding.
Uganda made 44 turnovers, which Côte d’Ivoire converted into points. The hosts also won the rebound battle, collecting 65 rebounds against Uganda’s 46.
Rose Adhiambo was Uganda’s top scorer with 17 points, while Mary Hazel Ssengendo added seven.
Olivia Amani Atima also worked hard on defence. She played 20 minutes and 53 seconds, scoring five points and collecting five rebounds. She also made two steals and three blocks.
Uganda will need a much better performance against Central African Republic.
The Junior Gazelles must take better care of the ball, improve their shooting and fight harder for rebounds. They also need to bring back the energy and teamwork that helped them beat Kenya.
Uganda came into the tournament with high hopes after reaching the final of the 2024 U18 Women’s Afrobasket.
Coach John Omondi also knows many of the players well, having worked with several of them at youth and domestic level.
The top two teams in each group qualify directly for the quarterfinals. The two best third-placed teams across the three groups will also reach the knockout stage.
Uganda are currently second in Group A with one win and one loss, level on three points with Kenya. Côte d’Ivoire lead the group with four points, while Central African Republic are fourth with two points.
Uganda now have a simple task: beat Central African Republic, cut down the mistakes and return to the form that earned them a big win over Kenya.
Rose Adhiambo was Uganda’s top scorer with 17 points, while Mary Hazel Ssengendo added seven.
Olivia Amani Atima also worked hard on defence. She played 20 minutes and 53 seconds, scoring five points and collecting five rebounds. She also made two steals and three blocks.
Uganda will need a much better performance against Central African Republic.
The Junior Gazelles must take better care of the ball, improve their shooting and fight harder for rebounds. They also need to bring back the energy and teamwork that helped them beat Kenya.
Uganda came into the tournament with high hopes after reaching the final of the 2024 U18 Women’s Afrobasket.
Coach John Omondi also knows many of the players well, having worked with several of them at youth and domestic level.
The top two teams in each group qualify directly for the quarterfinals. The two best third-placed teams across the three groups will also reach the knockout stage.
Uganda are currently second in Group A with one win and one loss, level on three points with Kenya. Côte d’Ivoire lead the group with four points, while Central African Republic are fourth with two points.
Uganda now have a simple task: beat Central African Republic, cut down the mistakes and return to the form that earned them a big win over Kenya.