Basketball in Africa

Sande Bashaija

Kampala

Results
Results (men)
Rwanda 93-68 Uganda
Egypt 101-39 Kenya
Uganda 53-95 Egypt
Women
Burundi 52-68 Kenya
Uganda 77-57 Burundi
Today (men)
Burundi v Egypt (1pm)
Kenya v Uganda (5pm)
Women
Kenya v Uganda (3pm)
Rwanda v Burundi (7pm)

An outstanding display from Frances Nabulobi and Miriam Hamala helped Ugandan women record a 77-57 victory over Burundi yesterday, leaving the team with slight hope of qualifying for the Africa Championship.

Nabulobi scored 20 points and Hamala added 14 as Uganda recovered from their opening day 70-95 loss to hosts Rwanda to win the Zone 5 qualifying game played at Amahoro indoor gymnasium.
“We were mentally and physically prepared to play as a team. That’s what gave us the cutting edge,” coach Mande Juruni, said.

Captain Ali Mavita and Kassim Hatima, who missed the opener due to lack of valid birth certificates returned to the side and made a huge contribution defensively.

Brenda Mugisha was the only Burundian player in double figures with 15 points.

Uganda square up with Kenya today and must win to stand a chance of grabbing the lone slot at the continental championship due September in Madagascar.

“We are very aware that its one team assured of qualification and must work towards that. I have seen Kenya in action and must say that we can beat them,” Juruni noted.

He added; “I believe we have a chance of even beating Rwanda when we meet again.”

Men face exit
The men’s team was however reduced to tears yesterday, when they lost 53-95 to favourites Egypt.

Egypt had a slim 45-35 lead at halftime but turned on the style to win their second straight encounter.

Uganda lost their opening encounter 68-93 to Rwanda and will be eliminated if they fail to beat Kenya today.