By CHIMPREPORTS
Uganda’s Silverbacks had a disappointing start at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket qualification campaign, losing to Cape Verde with a score of 78-73 in Monastir, Tunisia, on Friday.
Despite a resilient performance in the opening two quarters, the Silverbacks faced challenges in the third quarter, falling 18 points behind. The team, led by coach Mandy Juruni, made a comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 27 points, with Robinson Opong contributing a game-high 25 points.
Combo Guard Adam Seiko added 16 points, while Tony Drilleba and Brandon Ssebirumbi each amassed 11 points. However, Ssebirumbi had to exit the game due to foul trouble.
Cape Verde saw Marcus Armani Santos Silva coming off the bench to lead the team with 15 points, while Joel Almeida, Anderson Correia, and Betinho Gomes also scored in double figures.
Silverbacks coach Mandy Juruni credited Cape Verde for their strong defense and acknowledged the breakdown in the third quarter. Despite the loss, he expressed overall satisfaction, highlighting that it was the team’s first game together, and there is room for improvement.
The Silverbacks will face Nigeria on Saturday in their next game, following Nigeria’s initial withdrawal from the qualifiers.
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