Uganda’s men’s national basketball team, the Silverbacks, will be aiming to open the final window of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers with a statement win when they clash with Group B leaders Cape Verde today at 7 pm in Tripoli, Libya.
Having managed just one win during the first window in February 2024 courtesy of a crucial 72-62 victory over Nigeria, the Silverbacks will be aiming to deliver stronger performances this time around.
Losses to Cape Verde (73-78) and hosts Libya left Uganda third in the group standings, with two wins now essential to secure a ticket to Angola for the AfroBasket finals in August.
Ahead of the clash with Cape Verde, Uganda will be bouyed by the return of key players who have given the team renewed optimism.
Ishmail Wainright, who missed the first window, re-joins the squad, bringing depth and international experience from Hapoel Tel Aviv.
His presence, coupled with the arrival of Jonathan Komagum from Macedonia’s Gostivar, France-based Deng Geu, Germany’s Emmanuel Womala, and sharpshooter Robinson Opong, strengthens Uganda’s roster ahead of this crucial second window.
Captain Jimmy Enabu is also back in the fold after missing the first round due to work commitments, offering coach Mandy Juruni a trusted and experienced hand on the court.
The Silverbacks’ core, including Tonny Drileba; who scored 11 points against Cape Verde last year, and Opong, who led with 25 points in that game, will be pivotal in Uganda’s quest for redemption.
Juruni, aware of the stakes, remains optimistic: “We’ve added experienced players who can change the dynamics. The focus is on starting strong against Cape Verde and building momentum.”
The task, however, is steep. Cape Verde remain unbeaten in the group and are a win away from confirming their place in Angola.
Uganda will need to match their energy and intensity, something they struggled with during the previous meeting.
The Silverback’s path to qualification is clear: win two of the three games in Tripoli, and a fourth consecutive AfroBasket appearance is secured.
A single victory against Nigeria; who lost all three games in the first window, could also be enough to send them to Angola.
Uganda will play three games over three consecutive days without a rest, starting with Cape Verde tonight at 7 pm, followed by Nigeria on Saturday at 7 pm, and concluding against hosts Libya on Sunday at 10 PM.
The team will draw inspiration from the Gazelles, Uganda’s women’s basketball team, who recently qualified for the AfroBasket finals as Zone V winners.
