Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 0833 EAT on Friday 1 August 2025

South Sudan Edges Uganda 69–68 to Reach Women’s AfroBasket Semifinals in Debut Appearance

South Sudan’s Bright Starlets advanced to the semifinals of the Women’s AfroBasket for the first time ever, edging Uganda’s Gazelles 69–68 in a dramatic Thursday afternoon clash.

The tightly contested game came down to the final minute, where Rose Akon sank crucial free throws to give South Sudan the lead. Uganda’s Melissa Akullu missed two potential game-saving foul shots in the dying moments, sealing her team’s narrow defeat.

The Gazelles controlled most of the opening quarter, dictating a slow and cautious tempo that saw them take a 25–20 lead into the second period.

However, South Sudan came roaring back in the second quarter, fueled by hot shooting from beyond the arc. The Bright Starlets tied the game at 33 with just over six minutes to play in the half, before taking the lead on a corner three by Nyamer Lual.

At the other end, the Gazelles struggled to generate offense. Paige Robinson’s outside shooting was off target, and Hope Akello found herself in foul trouble, forcing her to sit out for an extended stretch. South Sudan capitalized, dominating the period with a stunning 26–1 run to take a six-point lead into halftime.

Uganda responded strongly after the break, quickly erasing the deficit. But Delicia Washington and Maria Gakdeng continued to steady the Bright Starlets, keeping them in front until the final minute of the third quarter. That’s when Peruth Nyamwenge tied the game, and Jane Asinde added a free throw to give the Gazelles a narrow 60–59 lead heading into the final quarter.

Maria Gakdeng (12 points, 13 rebounds) and Delicia Washington (17 points) continued to apply pressure on the Gazelles in the fourth quarter. Washington, in particular, dazzled with three coast-to-coast drives to the basket, keeping South Sudan in control down the stretch.

Peruth Nyamwenge led the Gazelles with a team-high 16 points, while captain Jane Asinde delivered an all-around performance with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Paige Robinson also added 10 points in the losing effort.

Rose Akon (12 points) sealed the win from the free-throw line, sinking the decisive shots that ended Uganda’s hopes of a comeback.

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