Afrobasket: Uganda can attain glory
Apr 06, 2015
The Uganda Silverbacks are assured of being in the round of 16 at the 2015 Afrobasket Championship in Tunis, Tunisia.
By Charles Mutebi
August 19-30
2015 Afrobasket Championship
Host city: Tunis, Tunisia
Group A: Tunisia, Nigeria, Uganda, Wild Card 1
Group B: Angola, Mozambique, Wild Card 2, Morroco
Group C: Egypt, Gabon, Mali, Cameroon
Group D: Cote d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, Wild Card 3, Zimbabwe
The Uganda Silverbacks are assured of being in the round of 16 at the 2015 Afrobasket Championship in Tunis, Tunisia.
That fact became something of a lifeline for the Silverbacks after Saturday night’s draw of Africa’s premier international basketball showpiece put Uganda alongside powerhouses Tunisia and Nigeria.
The Afrobasket Championship has a unique format that guarantees qualification to the knockout stages for all its 16 participants.
In other words, even if the Silverbacks lose to Tunisia, Nigeria and the third opponent in Group A (who will be a future wild card selection), they could still go on and win the championship.
Mandy Juruni’s Silverbacks are, of course, a proud outfit that go into every game believing they can win but they will appreciate the kind structure of the continental championship that gives teams some time to find their groove.
They will need it seeing as Tunisia and Nigeria may not be very accommodative opponents.
Besides being the hosts, Tunisia won the 2011 edition and, just like Nigeria, represented Africa at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Both are seasoned Afrobasket challengers and will be expected to outduel the Silverbacks.
Even then, Juruni and his charges will be aware that a poor showing in the group stages guarantees a tough match-up in the round sixteen. Group A has been cross-matched with Group C, which has Uganda’s Zone V rivals Egypt, Gabon, Mali and Cameroon.
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