Gazelles Beat New Zealand to Reach Commonwealth Games 3x3 Basketball Final

What the report says

Nile Post reported that Uganda’s women’s 3x3 basketball team, the Gazelles, reached the final of the 2026 Commonwealth Games after beating New Zealand 21-9 in the semifinal. The result assures Uganda of at least a silver medal and leaves the team one win away from what the outlet described as a first Commonwealth Games basketball title for the country.

According to the report, coach Nick Natuhereza’s team took control after a tight opening phase, using strong defensive pressure, quick transition play and efficient scoring to pull away. The article named Melissa Akullu, Jane Asinde, Jamila Nansikombi and Perus Nyamwenge as central to Uganda’s performance, with the side forcing turnovers and finishing chances both from shooting range and near the basket.

The match was played in Glasgow, where Nile Post said Ugandan supporters celebrated as New Zealand failed to recover from Uganda’s decisive run, which had created a commanding lead with about three minutes left. Uganda is now due to face either Australia or Jamaica, depending on the outcome of the other semifinal.

Nile Post also linked the basketball result to Uganda’s broader Games campaign, reporting that it guarantees Team Uganda a second medal in Glasgow. The first was a silver by para-swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe in the women’s 100m breaststroke SB8 final at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, where the outlet said she clocked 1:26.20 and became Uganda’s first Commonwealth Games medalist in both swimming and para-sports.