LUANDA (Angola) - Senegal's Lions of Teranga roared their way to victory in the opening game of the 2025 AfroBasket at Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda on Tuesday afternoon.
Uganda, while competitive early on in the game, were a step slower than Senegal who cruised to an 88-53 win.
The sides met twice before in 2015 and 2021, with the results again going Senegal's way.
Senegal's height in the paint gave them the scoring advantage over the Silverbacks. The West Africans made effective use of their post-game time, and four minutes into the game, Uganda found themselves in foul trouble.
Gora Camara (14 points and 13 rebounds), Jean Jacques Boissy (16 points), Makhtar Gueye (16 points) and Ousmane Ndiaye (12 points) put in a good shift for Senegal on game-day one of the competition.
Uganda were led in scoring by John Deu Geu with 17 points and Jacksen Moni with 10 points.
TURNING POINT: From the start of the game, Senegal took control, making its presence felt in the paint. They forced the Ugandans into foul trouble, and by the end of the first half, the Silverbacks had accumulated 16 personal fouls.
Floor general and 2025 BAL MVP Jean Jacques Boissy had an explosive 11 minutes in the first half, putting up 12 points, half coming from three-point range.
HERO: Gora Camara, who had a double-double (10 points and 10 rebounds) going into the second half, set the tone for Senegal's dominance throughout the game. He finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds in the game.
STATS DON'T LIE: Senegal's bench was outstanding for coach De Segana Diop, as they stepped up with 19 points in the first half. The Lions of Teranga would add 33 more points in the second half. They forced turnovers and scored 28 points. Turnover points (24) and fastbreak points (22) were also key for the Lions.
BOTTOM LINE: As contenders for the title, the victory is a confidence booster for the Lions of Teranga and their title aspirations.
What they said: "I feel good about the win for the team and my performance. It is important for the team to win every game. I am happy that we got our first win and now we are moving on to the next one (against Mali). It's our goal (to win the tournament). It's important for us and our country."" - Senegal center Gora Camara."
FIBA