FIBA 2027 World Cup Qualifiers: Angola punish sloppy Silverbacks in Group D opener

FIBA 2027 World Cup African Qualifiers
Group D (Window Two)
Thursday 26th
Angola 90 Uganda 68
Saturday, 9pm (Uganda time)
Uganda v Mali

Alexandria, Egypt: The Uganda national basketball team endured a difficult start to their FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign, falling 90-68 to Angola in their Group D opener at Borg Elarab Arena on Thursday night.

Uganda’s performance was hampered by 35 turnovers, which Angola converted into 40 points. The former African champions imposed relentless full-court pressure and physical defense that denied the Silverbacks any rhythm throughout the contest.

Angola stamped authority early with a 17-0 run before Fayed Baale ended Uganda’s scoring drought with a three-pointer. By the end of the first quarter, Angola had opened up a 27-13 lead, exposing Uganda’s struggles on both ends.

The Silverbacks showed brief resistance in the second quarter. Nike Sibande ignited hopes with a powerful dunk and later added a floating jumper in transition. Despite improved ball movement, Uganda trailed 45-27 at halftime.

Any hopes of a comeback faded in the third quarter as Angola’s disciplined defense and effective screening stretched the advantage to 72-45 heading into the final period.

Uganda mounted a spirited response in the fourth, launching a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 75-60 with six minutes left, forcing Angola into a timeout. However, Angola replied with 15 unanswered points to put the game beyond reach before Peter Obleng nailed a late three-pointer to close the scoring.

Selton Miguel led Angola with 19 points, Childe Dundao added 15, Kevin Kokila scored 13, Islando Manuel 11 and Abou Gakou 10.

For Uganda, Deng Geu finished with 17 points, Nike Sibande added 15 and Joel Kayira chipped in with 10.

The Silverbacks now shift focus to their next Group D fixture against Mali on Saturday at 9pm (Uganda time), as they seek to bounce back and keep their qualification hopes alive.