In the first window of the Afrobasket 2025 Qualifiers, Uganda’s Silverbacks experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a disappointing loss to Libya with a final score of 71-59. With only one victory out of three matches, the team finished third in their group, which included Cape Verde, Nigeria, and Libya.
Robinson Opong emerged as the standout player for the Silverbacks, leading the team with an impressive average of 23.3 points and 8 rebounds per game. His exceptional performance included a tournament-high 39 points and 10 rebounds against Nigeria, securing Uganda’s only double-double.
Brandon Alan Sebirumbi also demonstrated his prowess, maintaining an average of 7.3 points with exceptional efficiency, boasting a remarkable 57.1% field goal shooting.
As the team’s captain, Tonny Drileba played a pivotal role in stabilizing the squad as a starting guard, averaging 9.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Womala showcased his versatility off the bench, earning the coach’s trust with solid performances, contributing 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
Despite facing challenges, Ivan Muhwezi showcased resilience, bouncing back from a slow start to shine against Libya with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
However, inconsistencies marred the team’s performance. Adam Seiko’s impact varied, excelling against Cape Verde but struggling in the final game against Libya. Titus Odeke encountered scoring difficulties initially but showed improvement in subsequent games. Conversely, Fayed Baale and James Okello failed to meet expectations.
Looking ahead to the second window of qualifiers in February 2025 against the same teams, the Silverbacks will be looking to rectify their shortcomings and deliver a stronger performance.
