Uganda’s Silverbacks slipped to their second straight loss at the 2025 AfroBasket after falling 85-70 to Mali’s Eagles in Group D at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda on Thursday afternoon.
The result leaves Uganda without a win in the tournament, following their opening loss to Senegal. They now face a must-win clash against Egypt on Saturday to keep their hopes alive.
The game started badly for Uganda, who struggled against Mali’s size and physicality.
Missing injured big man Jacksen Moni, the Silverbacks were overpowered in the paint as Mali raced to a 25-8 first-quarter lead, with contributions spread among Sirman Kanoute, Mahamane Coulibaly, Aliou Diarra, and Mamoudou Diarra.
Uganda fought back in the second quarter, cutting a 22-point deficit to just eight after a 14-point run sparked by Deng John Geu’s nine points and Robinson Opong’s free throw.
Jonathan Komagum and Emmanuel Womala also chipped in as the Silverbacks trailed 43-31 at halftime.
The momentum briefly swung further in Uganda’s favor in the third quarter when Opong’s free throws reduced the gap to four points at 49-45.
But Mali responded decisively with an eight-point burst, including a three-pointer from Hassan Drame, Diarra’s jumper, and Coulibaly’s fastbreak basket. They carried a 61-51 lead into the final period and never looked back.
Deng led all scorers with 27 points, while Opong added 19 for Uganda. Coulibaly top-scored for Mali with 25 points, supported by Diarra’s 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Mali dominated inside, scoring 34 points in the paint and adding 15 fastbreak points, while their bench contributed 23 points.
Focus for Uganda’s now shifts to avoiding a winless group stage when they meet Egypt in their final group game.
