The Uganda U18 ladies started their 2026 U18 Afrobasket on a high as they thumped neighbors 84-57 in their opener. The final score doesn’t tell the entire story but at some point, Kenya looked like they would give Uganda a hard time. However, the Junior Gazelles managed to weather the storm and from there onwards, it was one-way traffic.

With 5:19 to play in the third quarter, Uganda led 48-44. However, they were under pressure because Kenya had gathered steam and it looked as though they would catch up. However, for the rest of the quarter, Uganda dominated. They made a 16-6 run to take a 14-point lead into the fourth quarter. That was the start of the end for them.

First quarter

Coming into this, this was the first time these players were going to be playing together. There was a lot of uncertainty about what to expect. On the contrary, the Kenyans had played together at the Zone V qualifiers and had team chemistry.

However, when the game started, all that did not matter. The 2 teams exchanged baskets early in the game before Uganda made a run. Melissa Taliba was causing problem for Kenya in the paint and Uganda made a 10-3 run to close the quarter 20-13.

Foul trouble in the second quarter

In the second quarter, Uganda had foul trouble and that is what kept Kenya in the game. Maria nanyong hit 2 big 3’s for Uganda and Taliba scored a hugs 8 points but the Kenyans could bnot go away. They attempted 18 free throws and scored 11 of them. This is what kept them in the game and Uganda had to do something about it. By the halftime break, Uganda led 40-31.

Uganda pulling away in the third

In the third quarter, Kenya piled up the pressure but that did not last long. In the final 5 minutes of the half, Uganda made a 16-6 run to take a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. Rose Musundi scored 13 points in the quarter and helped Uganda a ton.

Closing the game

In the fourth period, the Kenyan players were visibly exhausted. They did not have much left in the tank while the Ugandans looked fresh. Uganda made a 12-0 run to make it a 26-point game. At this point, the game was as good as done and they went on to win it 84-57.

Top Performers

Melissa Taliba was the star of the game as she registered a double-double with 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists. She was very efficient as she made 7 of her 11 attempted field goals and also made 11 of 15 free throws.

Rose Musundi came alive in the second quarter and she helped Uganda weather the storm when Kenya has put on the pressure. She scored 23 of her 25 points in the second half.

Vanessa Nakalembe was the ultimate floor general and she finished with 12 assists, 7 rebound and 6 steals. Mary Hazel Ssengendo had 14 points plus 7 rebounds while Maria Nanyonga made 3 3-point shots and fished with 11 points. Despite playing just 13 minutes, Josephine Aminat picked a crucial 9 rebounds.

What next

Uganda will face the hosts Cote d’Ivoire next on Saturday 8th August.  This game could be the determinant of who will top pool A.