Wednesday 15th February 2023
Egypt 85-86 Uganda
Rwanda 40-50 South Sudan
Uganda national Basketball team for ladies; the Gazelles reacted with a Nail-Bitter win against Egypt after they fell to eternal rivals Kenya Lionesses 61-53 in the opener.
Gazelles’ head Coach Alberto Antuna Said he wanted his team to play with Confidence and defend better for the rest of the tournament.
Indeed the Gazelles responded to the Coach’s Call and delivered an 86-85 over Egypt after a two defensive stops from Skipper Flavio Oketcho and player of the game Jannon Otto.
It seemed to be a must win for Egypt however, the Gazelles fell behind by 10 points late in the opening quarter however the Confidence with which they played was apparent.
Soraya Dhegady shone in the opening quarter as Uganda ‘s 2-3 Zone and anaemic transition defence gave lots of space to launch from 3-point distance and Connecting on three shots from deep.
However, Uganda switched to a 3-2 in the second quarter and dried up Egypt’s offense.At the other end, Otto was heating up as hope Akello found her range just just outside the Stripe and Brenda Ekone attacked the hole.
The Gazelles erupted for 28points and held Egypt to 10, going into the locker rooms for the halftime break with a 12 point (50-38).
Egypt found quick fixes early in the 3rd quarter and Came with in 3 points(52-55) on Raneem El Gedawy 3- pointer but the Gazelles whose Confidence and determination was Sky-high responded well and closed the quarter leading by double digits (72-61).
The Gazelles maintained the double -digits early in 4th quarter . Otto turned over twice at the top with Soraya getting open Court lay- ups which were followed by a midrange jumper from Elgedawy and the lead was down to six points (78-72) forcing Uganda into a time out.
Jannon Otto finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds, Akello added 14 points and 11 rebounds while Brenda Ekone contributed with 13 points.
Flavio Oketcho and Marria Najuma had 20points each.
On the other hand, Raneem El Gedawy led Egypt’s losing effort with 22 points and 14 rebounds, Said Nayed and Soraya had 17 points a piece while Meral Abdelgawad finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds .
It was a positive and needed response for Uganda who lost the opener against Kenya and Uganda will play South Sudan today.
Thursday 16th February 2023 fixtures
Kenya Vs Rwanda 5pm
Uganda Vs South Sudan 8pm.
