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ALEXANDRIA (Egypt) - Uganda came close to winning their first African basketball game in a year.
However, as their head coach, Mandy Juruni, later admitted, they rushed unnecessary plays and squandered what appeared to be a chance of an upset victory.
Mali secured an 84-73 victory with two 11-0 scoring runs, remaining undefeated in the 2027 World African Qualifiers.
There were three moments when Mali proved why they are serious contenders for an undefeated exit from Alexandria.
Firstly, they limited the Ugandan sharpshooting pair, Robinson Opong and Nike Sibande, to just seven points in the third quarter.
Secondly, they grabbed 18 valuable offensive rebounds out of 50.
Thirdly, they overcame their poor three-point shooting (5 for 29) with an aggressive defence that completely disrupted Uganda's offence.
And with Ibrahima Haidara deflecting five Uganda shocks, there was no way for Uganda, who last won a game in African during the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers in February 2025. Since then, Uganda are 0-5, including their three straight losses at AfroBasket.
For the second night in a row, Siriman Kanoute displayed stellar form, leaving Mali with 27 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists and 6 steals. He was joined by Oumar Ballo, who contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Mali may have improved to 2–0 in the current World Cup qualifiers, but their win didn't come without a fight from Uganda. The Ugandans squandered a 10-point lead in the third quarter, mainly due to their poor three-point shooting.
However, Mali limited Uganda to 1-11 shooting from deep, solving their problems.
"I must give credit to Uganda for the way they fought. They caused us troubles, but they deserve our respect," Mali Head Coach AlAhadji Dicko admitted.
Asked about their weakness in a game they by as many as 10 points, Uganda Head Coach Mandy Juruni said: "We rushed too many plays and gave up 18 offensive rebounds."
Next up, ion Sunday March 1, Uganda take on Egypt while Mali face Angola in a rematch of the 2025 AfroBasket final.
FIBA