Uganda’s Silverbacks hopes of a strong start in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers took another hit after a 84–73 loss to Mali in Alexandria, Egypt on February 28, 2026.
Needing a win to steady their campaign, the Silverbacks instead found themselves chasing the game for long spells. Mali controlled the tempo and punished Uganda inside the paint.
However, Uganda had put themselves in a strong position early on. The Silverbacks went into halftime leading 48–45 and, with seven minutes left in the third quarter, stretched their advantage to 59–49.
But they could not sustain the momentum. Mali responded with a decisive run, tightening up defensively and dominating the paint to erase the deficit in what looked like a depth issue.
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Oumar Ballo was the difference. The towering center delivered a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring Mali on both ends of the floor.
Siriman Kanoute added a game-high 27 points as Mali pulled away with key runs in the second half.
Uganda showed fight but struggled to contain Mali’s physical presence. Robinson Opong led the Silverbacks with 24 points, while Nike Sibande contributed 22, yet it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
The win was Mali’s second of the window, following their 86–77 victory over hosts Egypt, and it strengthens their push at the top of Group D alongside Angola.
For Uganda, the defeat leaves them 0–2 in the window after their earlier 90–68 loss to Angola.
With no wins so far, the pressure is already mounting as the race for qualification tightens.
They now face the hosts, Egypt, on Monday, March 2, in their final Group D match, a must win encounter in order head to the next window.
