AfroBasket Qualifiers | Result 

• Uganda 63-60 Cape Verde 

Uganda’s Men’s National Basketball Team, Silverbacks secured a hard-fought 63-60 victory against Cape Verde at the ongoing FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Qualifiers on Friday.

In the encounter that was played at Grand Hall, Libya, the Silverbacks found till the last minute to secure a victory in the opening game of the qualifiers’ window.

The Silverbacks started strong taking a 10-point lead at the end of the opening stanza. Ishmail Wainright and Robinson Opong led the charge dropping 12 and seven points respectively.

However, Cape Verde returned in the second period with a great defensive strategy limiting Uganda to only six points before the long break.

Anim Delgado’s shot beyond the ark and Patrick Spencer’s dunk after a fast break in the first 20 seconds of the second period gave Cape Verde the right momentum.

Opong’s firing hand was in action in the third quarter as he scored thrice beyond the arc after making a floating jump shot and converting a free throw as Uganda maintained a three-point lead.

Mandy Juruni’s charges sealed the hard-fought victory with a three-point margin.

Robinson Opong (22 points) and Ishmail Wainright (16 points) led the Silverbacks scoring and were the only Ugandans to manage double digits. 

On the other hand, Betinho Gomes (17 points) and Kenneti Mendes (12 points) scored double digits as Cape Verde kept chasing the game.

The Silverbacks return to action on Saturday, February 22 to face Nigeria while Cape Verde will take on Libya.

Uganda need a second win to secure their ticket to Angola in the final continental tournament.

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