Friday, July 24
•Uganda 52-40 South Sudan
•Egypt 126-32 Tanzania
Saturday, July 25
•Kenya Vs Uganda – 3:30pm
•Tanzania Vs Rwanda – 8:30pm
Uganda’s Junior Silverbacks opened their 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone Five Qualifiers campaign with a hard-fought 52-40 victory over South Sudan in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday.
The Group B clash at Cairo Stadium Indoor Hall 2 saw Uganda, missing Gabriel Nkugwa and Jacob Katweihaho, withstand a spirited late comeback from the Young Bright Stars, who cut the deficit to just two points (42-40) with slightly over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
However, coach Daniel Juuko’s side tightened up defensively in the closing stages, preventing South Sudan from scoring again while pulling away to secure an important opening win.
South Sudan made the brighter start, racing into a 6-0 lead and forcing Juuko into an early timeout.
The tactical break proved decisive as Uganda responded with a 10-0 run to take control of the contest and never surrendered the lead.
Point guard Shane Kwizera produced a standout performance, registering a rare triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 12 steals and four assists.
John Levi Ogiramoi added 12 points, while Pierre Laurent Rwuhiriro anchored the defence with eight points, nine rebounds and two blocks.
Bior Mayen led South Sudan with 15 points, while Deng Langar recorded a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds in defeat.
Uganda were outrebounded 49-55 but capitalised on South Sudan’s 39 turnovers.
Uganda will look to build on the victory as they continue their quest for a place at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket finals, scheduled for next month in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
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