Uganda ended their group stage campaign on a high, defeating defending champions Guinea 73-53 to secure their first victory at the 2025 FIBA U16 AfroBasket in Kigali.
The result confirmed Uganda’s third-place finish in Group B with a 1-2 record and eliminated Guinea, who bowed out without a win after three games.
It also guaranteed that a new champion will be crowned when the tournament concludes on September 14.
Guinea started stronger, racing to a 13-6 lead and maintaining their advantage through the first half. At halftime, the defending champions held a 29-25 edge, with Uganda struggling to settle offensively.
But the Junior Silverbacks came alive in the third quarter. Once they tied the game at 34-34, their intensity on defense shifted the momentum. Uganda forced Guinea into rushed shots and turnovers, putting together a 21-15 run to take control heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter was one-way traffic. Uganda outscored Guinea 27-9 in the last ten minutes, sealing a comfortable victory with superior rebounding and efficient shooting.
Pierre Laurent Rwuhiriro was dominant inside, posting 13 points and 19 rebounds along with two assists and two steals. Shane Kwizera led the scoring with 14 points, while Lucas Ssenyonjo chipped in 13 points and six rebounds.
Despite a double-double from Alpha Oumar Traoré (10 points, 11 rebounds) and 10 points from Massa Pierre Touré, Guinea could not keep pace and crashed out of the tournament.
Uganda’s 1-2 finish was not enough to advance to the knockout rounds, but the win over the title holders highlighted the Junior Silverbacks’ growth and resilience on the continental stage.
