Junior Silverbacks fall to Rwanda in overtime, miss AfroBasket qualification

IBA U18 Zone V AfroBasket Qualifiers

Semifinal

Rwanda 70 Uganda 65 (After Overtime)

Uganda's Junior Silverbacks missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Finals after suffering a 70-65 overtime defeat to Rwanda in the Zone V semifinals in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday.

The loss ended Uganda's unbeaten campaign after the defending Zone V champions topped Group B with victories over South Sudan (52-40) and Kenya (84-50).

Rwanda made the brighter start, taking the opening quarter 17-13 before extending the lead to 38-23 at halftime.

Uganda produced a remarkable comeback after the break, outscoring Rwanda 27-4 in the third quarter to overturn a 15-point deficit and take a 50-42 lead heading into the final period.

Rwanda fought back to level the game at 59-59 at the end of regulation after missing two free throws at the buzzer, forcing overtime.

The Rwandans held their nerve in the extra period, winning it 11-6 to seal a place in the final and secure one of the two qualification tickets to the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Finals.

Shammah Kwizera led Uganda with 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Shane Kwizera added 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven steals. Pierre Laurent Rwuhiriro registered a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, with John Levi Ogiramoi contributing seven points and seven rebounds.

Uganda's first defeat of the tournament ended their hopes of returning to the continental championship.

Uganda's girls, the Junior Gazelles, have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket after finishing among the top four teams at the previous continental championship.