Uganda Stuns Cape Verde in Gritty 63-60 Win, Keeping AfroBasket Dream Alive!

Uganda Stuns Cape Verde in Gritty 63-60 Win, Keeping AfroBasket Dream Alive!

Uganda claimed a crucial 63-60 victory over Cape Verde in the 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Qualifiers, handing the island nation their first loss of the campaign. With this win, Uganda strengthened their bid for qualification, while Cape Verde faces tough questions.

Uganda opened the final window of Group B in the 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Qualifiers with a statement victory, grinding out a hard-fought 63-60 win over Cape Verde. The result marked Cape Verde’s first loss in the qualification race and reignited Uganda’s hopes of sneaking into AfroBasket 2025.

The Silverbacks came out swinging, setting the tone with a strong first-quarter performance that saw them outscore Cape Verde 22-12. Their defensive intensity and transition play gave them an early edge, but what followed in the second quarter nearly cost them the game. Uganda’s offense completely stalled, managing only six points in the period—an alarming drop-off that allowed Cape Verde to claw their way back. Despite Cape Verde’s own scoring struggles, they did enough to keep the contest tight, heading into halftime trailing just 28-24.

The second half saw both teams trading blows, with Cape Verde finding more rhythm offensively. They put up 23 points in the third quarter, but Uganda answered with 22 of their own to maintain a slim 50-47 lead heading into the final 10 minutes. The fourth quarter was a tense, low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to convert under pressure. Uganda and Cape Verde each managed just 13 points in the period, but Uganda’s early efforts proved just enough to hold on for the win.

While Uganda will celebrate this much-needed victory, there are clear areas for concern. Their second-quarter collapse could have been disastrous, and their woeful free-throw shooting (50%) nearly cost them the game. Leaving easy points at the line is a mistake they cannot afford in future matchups. Additionally, their 43.8% two-point shooting was far from ideal, indicating that their half-court offense needs refining.

On the other side, Cape Verde will be left frustrated by their inability to capitalise on Uganda’s scoring droughts. Their 29% three-point shooting was dreadful, preventing them from stretching the floor effectively. Despite moving the ball well and recording 17 assists—compared to Uganda’s 13—their offensive execution was lacking. Their scoring options and defensive coverages, especially at the rim and in the paint, were limited without Real Madrid superstar Edy Tavares, which showed in key moments.

Rebounding was evenly matched, with Uganda edging out Cape Verde 39-36, and neither team dominated second-chance opportunities. Uganda had 10 second-chance points, while Cape Verde managed just seven. However, Uganda’s aggressive defense was a difference-maker, as their 12 team steals generated 21 fast-break points, proving decisive in the tight contest.

Uganda’s biggest lead was 11 points, while Cape Verde never led by more than five. The game saw both teams string together impressive runs—Uganda had a 16-0 run, while Cape Verde’s best stretch was a 10-0 burst. Ultimately, Uganda’s ability to force turnovers and convert in transition proved vital, even as their half-court offense sputtered at times.

Cape Verde still holds a solid 3-1 record in Group B, but this loss raises questions about their ability to finish the job. Without Tavares, their offensive struggles were evident, and if they fail to correct their shooting woes, their path to AfroBasket qualification may not be as straightforward as it once seemed.

For Uganda, this win keeps their AfroBasket hopes alive. Their disciplined structure and strong defensive principles continue to show why they are one of Africa’s best-run basketball programs. However, to take the next step, they must clean up their offensive inefficiencies and be more reliable at the free-throw line.

The qualification race is far from over, and both teams now face crucial tests ahead. Uganda proved they belong in the conversation, but they must back it up with consistency. Meanwhile, Cape Verde will need to bounce back quickly, as they can’t afford another setback with AfroBasket qualification on the line.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]