Winning start for Uganda in AfroBasket 2017 qualifiers

AFROBASKET 2017 QUALIFICATION ZONE 5

Wednesday: Burundi v  Uganda

RESULT

Uganda 94-72  Somalia (Monday)

Uganda kicked off their qualification for the AfroBasket 2017 tournment on a winning note, beating Somalia 94-72.

Teams are competing for spots in the tournament through zonal qualifying, with Uganda's Silverbacks competing in Zone 5.

Zone 5 is divided into two groups - A and B. Silverbacks are in Group B with Somalia and Burundi.

For this zone, the top team in the respective group will qualify for the August tournament (19-30) in Congo-Brazzaville.

Group B qualification started on Monday, with Uganda brushing aside Somalia 94-72 in Cairo, Egyt's capital.

Today (Tuesday), Somalia will play Burundi, who will face Uganda on Wednesday.

US-based Stanely Ocitti was crucial in Silverback's victory, scoring a game-high 33 points. Steven Omondy contributed 17 points for the Ugandan side against Somalia.

Two out of 16 spots are already taken: One for hosts Congo-Brazzaville and the other for defending champions Nigeria, who won the 2015 championship.