AfroBasket 2025: Silverbacks brace for Mali test minus injured Moni

AfroBasket 2025 

Uganda v Mali (4.30pm) 

 
The Uganda Silverbacks will be without Jacksen Moni when they take on Mali today in their second game at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket in Angola.

 
That means the Silverbacks will have a nine-man rotation. 

Uganda, who were defeated 88-53 by Senegal in their opener on Monday, will have one more fixture after today—against Egypt on Saturday. 

 
Moni, who rolled his ankle against Senegal, does not have a direct replacement on the roster, and his unavailability will put the undermanned Silverbacks in danger of another humiliation against Mali, who, despite losing 74-59 to Egypt in their opener, will start the game as overwhelming favourites. 

 
For George Galanopoulos, Moni’s exclusion means yet more tactical alchemy, with youngster Joel Kayira likely to get more minutes, among other possible adjustments. Still, the best option for the Silverbacks right now appears to be damage limitation, even though playing at this stage should still be seen as an achievement for Ugandan hoops. 
 

“We are excited about the opportunity to get at it again,” said Galanopoulos ahead of the Mali clash. 
 

“We are up for the challenge again to try and be better on the defensive glass. They (Mali) just have very good offensive and talented players. We just have to make sure we are locked in our game plan and we meet their physicality

 
He added, “It’s win or go home. Obviously, we have another game in Egypt but we are not worried about the implications behind this game. We know that all these games are important. Anytime you play in an AfroBasket or qualifying tournament where you have three games to get out of group play, every single game is just as important as the other.”

 
“The most important thing is to build on what happened (in the game against Senegal) and make sure we progress towards the things we need to get better at.”
 
That task was rendered more complicated by Moni’s unavailability.