Uganda’s Silverbacks bowed out of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket on Saturday after a 77-64 loss to Egypt, closing Group D with three defeats.
It was a campaign that showed fight but little reward. Having already fallen to Senegal and Mali, the Silverbacks went toe-to-toe with the Pharaohs for long stretches at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda, only to falter when it mattered most.
Uganda started brightly, leading 18-13 late in the first quarter. Deng John Geu’s hook shot tied the game at 31, while Naseef Lubowa’s drive made it 33-33 in the final minute of the first half.
But Egypt snatched back momentum with Mido Taha’s free throw for a slim 34-33 halftime advantage.
Robinson Opong’s third-quarter triple briefly restored Uganda’s edge, yet Egypt’s depth proved decisive.
With Amr El Gendy pulling strings and Patrick Gardner dominating inside, the Pharaohs launched an unanswered run that stretched their lead into double digits. Uganda never recovered.
Geu led all scorers for Uganda with 19 points, while Opong and Lubowa chipped in 14 and 13 respectively.
But the glaring difference was off the bench, Egypt’s reserves poured in 53 points compared to Uganda’s 11. El Gendy sealed the win with 17 points of his own.
Uganda exit with a 0-3 record, but their spirited displays against Africa’s heavyweights hinted at progress.
For coach George Galanopoulos, the next step will be turning determination into results by building greater depth and consistency if the Silverbacks are to truly compete on the continent’s biggest stage.
