It was a tale of two sides on completely different wave lines as FIBA 2027 World Cup Qualifiers got underway in Alexandria, Egypt.
Despite a better second quarter, Uganda was unable to overcome a disastrous opening period, falling to a disciplined and physical dominant Angolan side.
The game was effectively defined in the opening minutes. The Silverbacks struggled to find rhythm, falling into a staggering 17-0 hole that forced them to play catch-up for the rest of the game.
Reflecting on the loss, forward Deng Geu pointed to the intensity brought by the West African giants as the primary factor in Uganda’s early game paralysis.
“It was a tough start for us; going 17-0 is not how we wanted to come out,” Geu admitted.
“I think Angola came out with a lot of physicality and put us in a situation where we were forced into several turnovers.”
The physical difference was evident, particularly with a younger Ugandan roster facing an experienced Angolan rotation. Geu noted that the pressure caused a lot of problems.
“They (Angola) are such a physical and quick side. We are quite a younger side, so you expect them to have that advantage, and that somehow forced us into avoidable errors.”
With the first game behind them, the focus shifts to internal adjustments. Geu believes that the team now has the necessary film to correct their mistakes and enter the next matchup with a more composed mindset.
“Now that the pieces are coming together, moving onto the next game, we shall be a better unit,” Geu concluded. “We need calmness, strategy, and precision—that is what helps us play our game.”