Uganda’s Junior Silverbacks underlined their championship ambitions with a dominant 84-50 victory over regional rivals Kenya to complete an unbeaten Group B campaign at the ongoing FIBA U18 Zone V AfroBasket Qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt.
Building on the momentum from their opening triumph over South Sudan, the Ugandans delivered another commanding all-round performance to secure top spot in the three-team group, extending their winning streak and reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favourites.
The East African showdown started at an entertaining pace, with both sides displaying attacking intent in a closely contested opening quarter. Kenya initially matched Uganda’s energy and physicality, but the Junior Silverbacks remained composed in key moments to edge the period 25-20. Their ability to execute offensively while maintaining defensive discipline ensured they carried a slender yet important advantage into the second quarter.
Uganda raised the intensity significantly in the second period, producing one of the defining passages of the game. A devastating 10-0 scoring run, fuelled by relentless defensive pressure and swift transitions, blew the contest wide open as Daniel Juuko’s charges transformed a narrow lead into a commanding cushion. Their disciplined ball movement, aggressive rebounding, and clinical finishing left Kenya struggling to find rhythm, allowing Uganda to take firm control before the halftime break.
Any hopes of a Kenyan resurgence after the interval were quickly extinguished as the Junior Silverbacks returned with even greater determination. Uganda dictated the tempo on both ends of the court and unleashed another crushing 11-0 run that effectively settled the outcome.
With their defence forcing repeated turnovers and the offence converting chances with remarkable efficiency, the defending champions never allowed Kenya an opportunity to claw their way back into the contest.
Pierre Laurent Rwuhiriro once again proved why he is one of Uganda’s standout performers, delivering a magnificent double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. His commanding presence in the paint, coupled with his efficiency on both ends of the floor, made him a constant problem for the Kenyan defence. Eli Ssenyange also enjoyed an outstanding outing, contributing 19 points with confidence and precision, while Gabriel Nkugwa announced his arrival in style by scoring 13 points in his first appearance of the tournament.
Uganda’s squad depth was further highlighted by the successful return of Nkugwa and Jacob Kateihwaho, who both made their tournament debuts after missing the opening victory against South Sudan. Their inclusion provided Daniel Juuko with additional options in the rotation and demonstrated the quality available throughout the Junior Silverbacks squad as they continue their pursuit of another regional crown.
For Kenya, Emmanuel Kiplagat emerged as the lone bright spark with a determined 16-point performance, finishing as his team’s top scorer and the only player to register double figures. However, Uganda’s well-organised defensive structure consistently frustrated the rest of the Kenyan lineup, limiting scoring opportunities and ensuring the opposition never found the consistency required to threaten a comeback.
The statistics reflected Uganda’s complete dominance throughout the contest. The Junior Silverbacks controlled the rebounding battle by an impressive 64-50 margin, giving themselves valuable second-chance opportunities while denying Kenya the same luxury.
Equally decisive was Uganda’s ability to capitalise on mistakes, converting Kenya’s 35 turnovers into an incredible 40 points. That ruthless efficiency, combined with disciplined defence and superior execution, highlighted the gulf in quality between the two teams.
By finishing top of Group B with two victories from two matches, Uganda has secured a place in Tuesday’s semifinals, where they will face the second-placed side from Group A, a pool featuring hosts Egypt, Tanzania, and Rwanda. The knockout encounter presents another crucial step in the Junior Silverbacks’ quest to defend their regional title and book a place on the continental stage.
Having lifted the Zone V championship on home soil in Lugogo last year, Uganda arrived in Cairo carrying the expectations of defending champions. Their flawless group-stage campaign has only strengthened belief within the camp as they chase the tournament’s lone qualification ticket to the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship, scheduled for next month in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
With confidence high, the squad firing collectively, and momentum firmly on their side, the Junior Silverbacks now stand just two victories away from returning to Africa’s biggest youth basketball championship.
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Finance Trust Bank FUFA WSL 2026/2027 Fixtures.
FWSL - MATCH DAY 1 FIXTURE
 
(1)
3 - 02026/2027
Kawempe Muslims LFC vs Jinja United WFC |
 
(1)
0 - 12026/2027
She Corporate FC vs St.Noa Girls Zana FC |
 
(1)
0 - 32026/2027
URA Ladies FC vs KCCA WFC |
 
(1)
1 - 02026/2027
Makerere University vs Amus College WFC |
 
(1)
0 - 12026/2027
LADY DOVES FC vs Uganda Martyrs LWFC |
 
(1)
0 - 32026/2027
Rines SS WFC vs She Maroons FC |
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