Uganda’s Silverbacks opened their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers campaign with a 90 to 68 defeat to Angola in Group D at the Borg El Arab Arena on Thursday night.
Uganda struggled from the opening tip and never recovered after conceding a 17 to 0 run in the first three minutes.
By the end of the first quarter, the Silverbacks trailed 27 to 13. Angola controlled the tempo for the rest of the contest and led for 39 minutes and 57 seconds, leaving Uganda to chase the game throughout.
Deng Geu was Uganda’s standout performer, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds. He battled on both ends and provided a presence in the paint, but the early deficit proved too large to overturn.
The Silverbacks showed resilience in the final quarter. A quick 10 to 0 run cut the deficit from 75 to 50 to 75 to 60 in under two minutes.
Nike Sibande scored five points on perfect shooting during that stretch, while Peter Obleng added a three pointer and a rebound to spark brief momentum. However, Angola responded to restore order and close out the game comfortably.
Uganda never held the lead and their biggest advantage on the night remained at zero. Angola’s largest lead stood at 67 to 35 midway through the third quarter.
The result leaves the Silverbacks with work to do in Group D as they look to bounce back in their next fixture against Mali on Saturday at 9 PM.
