Tough Test as Uganda Faces Egypt in FIBA Zone 5 Basketball Tie

Uganda's Silverbacks in action against Somalia on Sunday at the Lugogo MTN Arena.

Uganda’s Silverbacks will face a tough test later today when they battle defending champions Egypt in the on-going FIBA Africa Zone 5 Basketball Championship at the Lugogo MTN Arena.

Uganda's Silverbacks in action against Somalia on Sunday at the Lugogo MTN Arena.
Uganda’s Silverbacks in action against Somalia on Sunday at the Lugogo MTN Arena.

The tournament enters Day 3 today with two men’s games on card. Kenya will face Rwanda before the hosts Uganda battle Egypt.

Led by veteran Steven Omony and four foreign based players, Uganda beat Somalia 85-74 in the opening match on Sunday night, but must be at their best against the well drilled Egyptians.

Defending champion Egypt beat Rwanda last year in the final. But Mande Juruni, the Silverbacks Coach said that although they respect Egypt, his team is ready to play its heart out in this important game.

The other teams in the men’s category include; Uganda, Somalia and Kenya. The women’s category is represented by Uganda, Burundi, Egypt and Kenya.

On Monday the Kenyan women were in good form to deny Egypt a second win. The Egyptians who beat hosts Uganda 79-63 on Sunday took charge of the first three quarters before the Kenyan women’s team fought back strongly to take the day 63-57.

Hilda Luvandwa and Sarah Masooyo played their hearts out with several three pointers that sunk the Egyptian team. Kenya’s teams for men were also in winning mood with a 97-79 score against Somalia.

Uganda will be eager to win the event and qualify for the Afro Basketball and next year’s All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. Uganda’s men’s team last won the Zone 5 championship in 2004.

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