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The road to the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket was long and grueling, but the Uganda Silverbacks fought through adversity to claim their spot among Africa’s elite.
After an intense qualification campaign spanning six cities across the continent, Uganda emerged as one of the 16 teams set to compete in Angola from August 12-24.
The qualification process for AfroBasket 2025 featured 20 national teams playing 59 matches across three windows, beginning in February 2024.
The first round tipped off in Monastir, Tunisia, and Cairo, Egypt, followed by action in Dakar, Senegal.
The decisive third window saw Uganda travel to Libya, where they played their final group-stage games in Tripoli.
Uganda faced tough competition in the qualifiers, battling against some of Africa’s best teams.
They played three crucial matches in Libya, managing a hard-fought 63-60 victory over Cape Verde.
This crucial win proved to be the defining moment in their qualification campaign.
However, they also faced setbacks, including an 87-67 loss to Nigeria and a heartbreaking 69-66 defeat to hosts Libya.
Opong featuring against Nigeria.
Fayed Bbaale
Opong against Libya.
Ismail Wainright.
Despite these losses, the Silverbacks’ resilience paid off in the end.
As the final games of the qualification window unfolded, Uganda’s fate hung in the balance with two wins against Nigeria (First Round) and CapeVerde (second round) in 5 Qualification games.
The Silverbacks needed a combination of results to go their way, and fortune favored them when Kenya fell 57-44 to Guinea.
This result meant that Uganda qualified as the best fourth-placed team with two wins, officially booking their place at AfroBasket 2025.
With their qualification secured, the focus now shifts to preparing for the continental showpiece in Angola.
The Silverbacks will join powerhouses like Angola, Egypt, Nigeria, and reigning champions Tunisia in the battle for African basketball supremacy.
All teams that qualified for the 2025 AfroBasket.
Uganda’s performance in the qualifiers has showcased their determination, and they will be aiming to make a statement on the grand stage in August.
