Silverbacks set for tough opener against Angola in World Cup qualifiers

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers

Borg El Arab Arena, Alexandria

Thursday 26th
Uganda v Angola 9pm

The Uganda Silverbacks launch their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers campaign on Thursday, February 26 at 9:00 pm (Uganda time) against continental giants Angola at the Borg El Arab Arena in Alexandria, Egypt.

Ranked 90th globally and carrying a 2–14 record from recent qualifiers, Uganda faces a defining challenge in Group D, which also includes Egypt and Mali.

Only the top three teams will advance to the next phase in the race for Africa’s five World Cup slots.

Debutant and newly naturalised guard Nike Dejur Sibande expressed optimism ahead of his first appearance in Ugandan colours.

“We did well in training, putting in the hard work and trying to do what the coaches are telling us. We did not do well in our last outing, but we want to do better this time and make our country proud,” Sibande said. The Niners Chemnitz (Germany) guard fills Uganda’s naturalised player slot previously occupied by Ishmail Wainright, Brandon Davies, and Jackson Moni.

“It is a great honour to represent Uganda at this level. I feel proud and grateful for this opportunity. I understand the responsibility that comes with wearing this jersey, and I am ready to give my best, fight for every ball and help the team compete strongly,” he added.

Uganda heads into the qualifiers after a difficult 2025 AfroBasket campaign, where they lost to Senegal (88–53), Mali (85–72), and Egypt (77–64). Despite the defeats, Deng John Geu stood out, averaging 22 points per game, while captain Robinson Opong contributed 12.3 points.

Jonathan Komagum impressed defensively, and Naseef Lubowa showed promise. Locally based players in the squad include Fayed Baale, Joel Kayiira, Ian Duncan Lubwama, Titus Lual Odeke, Peter Obleng, and Edgar Munaaba. Ivan Muhwezi misses out, while Tonny Drileba is sidelined with a foot injury.

Angola, ranked 24th in the world, arrive as 12-time African champions and winners of the 2025 AfroBasket with a perfect 6–0 record. They retained most of their squad and extended coach Pepe Claros’ contract.

Angola also boast a strong record against their group rivals, including an 8–0 head-to-head advantage over Egypt and an unbeaten run against Mali. Uganda has lost its last three meetings with Angola, including an 82–49 defeat in the 2023 qualifiers. The Angolans are powered by 2025 AfroBasket MVP Childe Dundao, a dynamic guard known for his shooting, rim attacks, and aggressive defence.

Sibande acknowledged the challenge: “Angola are champions for a reason. They are strong, organised and experienced. We respect them because of what they have achieved, but we are prepared. If we stay focused, defend well and play together, we can challenge them.”

The Silverbacks will be guided by Mandy Juruni after newly appointed head coach Goran Lojo was ruled out of travel due to a medical emergency. Juruni will be assisted by Armin Secerovic, Andrew Tendo, and Ben Komakech.

Uganda must improve in key areas that cost them at AfroBasket—defensive organisation, limiting turnovers, controlling rebounds, and converting scoring chances. Concentration across all four quarters will be vital against physically stronger opponents.

The qualifiers feature 16 African nations and run until March 2027, with Uganda hoping to secure one of the coveted five slots for the World Cup.