The Uganda U18 Gazelles have a chance to make history and qualify for Uganda’s first U19 World Cup.
They will be playing against Nigeria in the semi-finals of the ongoing FIBA U18 African Women’s Championship in Johannesburg, for a place in the finals.
Uganda defeated Tunisia 53-69 in the quarter-finals but it was in the fourth quarter where they squeezed Tunisia to submission and eventually securing the win.
Nigeria defeated Egypt 51-66 in a rather surprising turn of events. Egypt, who are the defending Champions had defeated Nigeria 72:60 in the group stages and were tipped for a double-double against the West African side but the Junior Tigress managed get a revenge.
Results so far
Uganda
85:36 Zimbabwe
53:76 Egypt
80:64 Nigeria
69:53 Tunisia
Nigeria
60:72 Egypt
107:30 Zimbabwe
64:80 Uganda
66:51 Egypt
Top Performers so far
Uganda
Resty Nanangwe 21.8 pts, 7.5 reb, 1.8 ast, 4.5 stl
Modesta Anyango 10.5 pts, 5.8 reb, 2.3 ast, 6.3 stl
Shiphrah Kiranda 6.5 pts, 7.8 reb, 1.0 ast, 2.5 stl
Nigeria
Idubamo Beggi 18 pts, 3 reb, 5.5 ast, 5.5 stl
Abigail Isaac 9.5 pts, 14.8 reb, 2.5 stl
Momoluwa Ayomide Tewogbade 11.3 pts, 5.5 reb, 2.3 ast, 4.3 stl
Uganda and Nigeria met in the group stages and Uganda managed to make an incredible comeback to secure a win.
However, it’s safe to point out that, Egypt had also defeated Nigeria, but they managed to eliminate them when the 2 sides met in the quarter-finals.
Talking points
A good start
The last time these 2 teams met, Uganda trailed by as many as 16 points in the first quarter but they managed to overturn things.
Nigeria led the first quarter 24-13 and Egypt was just playing catch up throughout the remainder of the game.
Uganda also started the game well against Tunisia but the North African side managed to recover and even take thea lead at some point.
In all the quarter-finals games, the team that led after the first quarter went on to win the game.
Both teams are aware of this and they will be looking to start the game on a strong foot.
Rebounds
Nigeria has been doing very well compared to Uganda in this aspect. They average 61.8 rebounds, 12.5 more than Uganda’s 48.3.
Earlier hen the 2 sides met, Uganda Nigeria had 73 rebounds, 27 more than Uganda.
Nigeria also had 32 offensive rebounds, however, despite all that, Nigeria scored just 17 second chance points.
Coach John Omondi has to find a solution for the rebounding problem because that’s an area Nigeria will be looking to capitalise more given the height/size advantage they have against Uganda.
Pressure defense
Uganda has benefitted a lot from the pressure defense, and in the fourth quarter, Tunisia felt it best.
Tunisia was forced into 18 turnovers in the fourth quarter alone due to the pressure from the Gazelles and this is an asset they will hope to capitalise on in the semifinals.
Uganda has very proactive players and last time out, they forced Nigeria into 39 turnovers.
Multiple scorers
Resty Nanangwe has done very well for Uganda with an average of 21.8 points but chasing pack hasn’t been consistent.
Resty had to drop 31 last time out but Christine Namyalo stepped up big with 21 points.
Uganda will need 1 or 2 other players to step up offensively if they are to offset the offensive threat of Nigeria.
The two sides meet on Friday 13th September at 4:00 pm EAT.
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