Champions Mali humble Uganda In Girls Basketball Event

Uganda's under 18 girls Basketball team suffered a heavy defeat to defending champions Mali in the Federation of National Basketball Association game played in Cairo, Egypt on Monday.

The experienced Mali team led 46-02 in the first quarter against debutants Uganda before leading 38-06 in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Uganda Junior Gazelles made only two points compared to Mali's 37. The game ended 143-19 in favor of the Mali side.

Mali's Aminata Diakite made a game high 21 points, while Rokia Doumbia made 20 points. Averagely most Mali players were able to make more than 10 points.

For the Ugandan side, Sarafina Driciru made 8 points despite picking most of the rebounds of the game, while Hajjara Najjuko made 5 points.

According to FUBA publicist Ivan Ntabazi, the experience at the event is expected to shape Uganda's basketball future. He says coupled with Ugandans under preparation and financial challenges, Uganda could perform better in the next events.

The defeat is the second after the Uganda Junior Gazelles fell to Tunisia 65-26 in the opening game. The Ugandan team comprised of only seven players out of the required 12 now faces Mozambique on Tuesday.

The top two teams from Africa will qualify to play in the World under 19 world cup next year in Italy.