The junior Gazelles were humiliated by five times Champions Mali 108-32 in their opening game at the FIBA u17 Women’s Africa Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.
Mali’s Mariam Coulibaly bagged 26 points as they took the first quarter 31-07 before taking a 54-12 lead at halftime.
For the junior Gazelles youngster Mariam Najjuma scored 8 points and 10 rebounds for but it wasn’t enough to catch the reigning champions Mali.
The gazelles who are coached by Roger Sserunyigo now shift focus to three time finalists Egypt in their next game.
In the other fixtures, hosts Rwanda lost to Tanzania in the East African derby while Angola defeated Mozambique.
Egypt and South Africa’s tie was not played, as the latter never showed up for the opening day.
The teams are divided into two groups of four. The teams that finish as the bottom two of their groups will compete for the 5th to 8th place while the top two teams will advance to the Semi-Finals.
The winner and runners-up of the tournament will earn the right to represent Africa at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2020.
Sunday’s results
-Mali 108-32 Uganda
-Angola 76-54 Mozambique
-Rwanda 36-42 Tanzania
-South Africa X Egypt
Monday’s fixtures, July 29
-South Africa Vs Mali
-Tanzania Vs Mozambique
-Rwanda Vs Angola
-Uganda Vs Egypt
