FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers
- Uganda 62-95 Angola
Uganda’s hopes of upsetting hosts Angola faded after halftime despite determined performances from Fayed Baale and Leonard Musiime, as the Silverbacks slumped to a 95-62 defeat in the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers on Thursday.
For two quarters, Uganda stayed in the contest and looked capable of challenging one of Africa’s basketball powerhouses. But Angola took complete control after the break, using an aggressive full court press that the Silverbacks struggled to overcome.
The hosts struck first through Selton Miguel, but Musiime answered with a three-pointer as Uganda settled into the game. Angola gradually built a 19-14 lead by the end of the opening quarter and extended it to 42-35 at halftime.
The match turned immediately after the restart. Angola’s relentless defensive pressure forced a series of Ugandan turnovers, allowing the hosts to score 21 unanswered points and blow the game wide open. Uganda never recovered as Angola stretched the lead to 27 points by the end of the third quarter.
With the outcome already decided, the hosts continued to pile on the points in the final period. Abou Gakou hit back-to-back three-pointers to cap an emphatic victory.
Baale and Musiime refused to give up, each scoring 17 points to lead Uganda, while Nike Sibande added 12.
Angola shared the scoring load, with Selton Miguel finishing with 17 points. Gerson Goncalves added 15, while Abou Gakou and Bruno Fernando each scored 14.
The Silverbacks will now turn their attention to Saturday’s qualifier against Mali, where they will look to bounce back from a difficult night in Luanda.
