LUANDA (Angola) - A large number of Angolan fans turned out to support their heroes against Uganda, but they had to wait until late in the game to perform their traditional victory songs in unison.
Uganda never backed down in the first half and even temporarily silenced the Kilamba Arena with their two-point lead, which lasted almost two minutes in the second quarter.
Early in the game, Nike Sibande and Deng Geu put the Angolan defence under pressure before Angolan play caller Pepe Claros intervened to change the course of the game later in the second quarter.
Angola led 42–35 at half-time, but the twelve-time African champions were more aggressive and determined in the second half. They became the eighth team to advance to the second round of the 2027 World Cup African qualifiers.
With Sibande kept scoreless in the second half after heading for the break with 12 points, Uganda called on substitute Fayed Baale to lead the team in scoring, achieving 17 points off the bench. Leonard Musiim added another 17 points for the Silverbacks of Uganda.
Meanwhile, four Angolans — led by Selton Miguel — scored in double figures, combining for 60 of Angola's 95 points.
Angola outscored Uganda 31–11 in the third quarter and their fans chanted, "We want 100 points!", but they settled for the 95–62 win. This turned out to be the second-largest winning margin on Thursday (after South Sudan's 95–57 win over Libya).
Angola improved to 3–1 and are currently second in Group D behind Mali, while Uganda remain winless after four games.
FIBA