Uganda’s Gazelles rolled over Guinea in their opening game at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
Melisa Akullu ran the floor perfectly, exploding for an efficient game-high 26 points to go with 7 rebounds in just 22 minutes as the Gaazelles picked up an 88-51 win on Sunday afternoon.
The Gazelles got off to a strong start to set the tone for the game, taking the opening quarter 29-19. Nick Natuhereza’s charges turned up the heat on the defensive end in the second quarter, limiting Guinea to just 12 points while scoring 21 to take a 45-31 lead into the halftime break.
The Ugandans stamped their authority in the third quarter, in which they went for 28 points, the first 22 coming unanswered, and the game was all but done.
“Our coaching staff had prepared us well before the tournament and we knew we needed to secure the win in this match because we play Senegal next, and from then on, we meet tougher teams. We came with that mindset, found each other and I’m glad we got the win,” Akullu said.
Makeshift point guard Perus Nyamwenge controlled the game well, dishing out 7 assists and swiping 4 steals.
Skipper Jane Asinde finished with 15 points, handed out 7 helpers, and pulled down 5 rebounds in the dominant victory.
All Gazelles players got on the scoresheet save for Agatha Kamwada.
Masseny Kaba led Guinea’s losing effort with 18 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Aicha Maara chipped in with 11 points to go with 6 assists.
Uganda will be back in action tomorrow (Monday) in a blockbuster against record champions Senegal.
“We beat Senegal in 2023 but this is a different team and the game has grown. We are coming with a new mindset. We want to take care of the little things, follow the game plan, rebound, execute on both defense and offense and with that we will be able to compete tomorrow,” Akullu said ahead of the game.
We need to trust our ladies there and support them by sending prayers to them so they achieve