Uganda suffered a heavy 95-62 defeat to hosts Angola in their opening game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers second window on Thursday night in Luanda.
The Silverbacks looked competitive for much of the first half and even took a 35-33 lead after Nike Sibande converted two free throws with 2:11 remaining before halftime.
However, that proved to be Uganda’s final lead of the game.
Angola responded with a devastating 20-0 run that stretched across halftime, turning a two-point deficit into a commanding 53-35 advantage midway through the third quarter.
Uganda struggled offensively during that spell, missing all four field-goal attempts and committing six turnovers as the hosts seized complete control.
Leonard Musiime led Uganda with 17 points and seven rebounds but endured a difficult night after committing nine turnovers under Angola’s intense defensive pressure.
Fayed Bbaale also contributed 17 points while Nike Sibande added 12 points and eight rebounds.
Selton Miguel starred for Angola with 17 points, six assists and two steals without committing a turnover or foul, while Bruno Fernando added 14 points, six rebounds and three blocks.
Gerson Goncalves also contributed 15 points and six assists as Angola dominated the second half.
Uganda had shown promise with a 7-0 run in the second quarter to edge ahead 33-31 before Angola’s decisive response changed the course of the contest.
The defeat leaves the Silverbacks with work to do in the remaining qualification games against Mali (Saturday) and Egypt (Sunday), but the result all but ends their 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup hopes.
Uganda had lost all the three matches against these same opponents – Angola, Mali and Egypt – in the first window and remain rock bottom of the group.
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