Uganda’s national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, saw their semifinal dreams dashed after a nail-biting 68–69 defeat to South Sudan in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
In a match that could only be described as a thriller, the Gazelles fought valiantly but were edged out by a single point, as South Sudan clinched a historic win and a spot in the tournament’s final four. Uganda, meanwhile, will now compete in the 5th to 8th place classification games, still with a chance to finish strong in the continental showdown.
One Point, One Heartbreak
From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, the contest was evenly matched. Uganda looked sharp and composed, led by standout players including Jannon Otto, whose leadership and scoring were crucial throughout. The Gazelles controlled large spells of the game, but South Sudan’s late momentum — fueled by a string of fast breaks and clutch shooting — turned the tide in the final minutes.
The final moments were gut-wrenching as Uganda trailed by just a single point with seconds left. A last-ditch attempt to grab the win fell short, sealing one of the most dramatic quarterfinal exits in recent AfroBasket history.
A Rising Rivalry
This result marks another intense chapter in the growing basketball rivalry between Uganda and South Sudan, two nations whose women’s programs have quickly risen to prominence. While Uganda’s Gazelles had reached the quarterfinals hoping to surpass their previous campaigns, South Sudan continues their fairy-tale run, now advancing to the semifinals in their debut tournament.
Still in the Fight
While the semifinal dream is over, the Gazelles are far from done. They will now compete in the classification round for positions 5 to 8, a crucial opportunity to improve their final ranking and maintain momentum heading into future international competitions.
Back home, support for the Gazelles has not wavered, with fans flooding social media with messages of pride and encouragement. “This isn’t the end — just a step in the journey,” one fan posted on X.
Credit
Image courtesy of FUBA (Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations) via AfroBasket Official
For full match recaps, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes updates from Abidjan, stay locked on UgandansOnline.com — your home for Ugandan sports on the continental stage.
