Rwanda defeated Uganda’s Silverbacks 89-83 in an entertaining international friendly at BK Arena on Wednesday night as both teams stepped up preparations for the Fiba Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
The Silverbacks made an impressive start, taking control of the opening quarter with an aggressive offensive display and disciplined execution at both ends of the floor.
Uganda dictated the early tempo and carried a 23-20 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Rwanda, however, responded emphatically in the second quarter. The hosts tightened their defence, forced turnovers and found their scoring rhythm, producing a dominant spell that turned the game on its head.
Rwanda outscored Uganda heavily in the period to erase the deficit and surge into a commanding 56-38 halftime lead.
Uganda improved after the interval, showing better ball movement and increased defensive intensity as they sought a route back into the contest.
But despite the Silverbacks’ renewed energy, Rwanda remained in control and entered the final quarter leading 76-61.
The visitors mounted a spirited fightback in the closing period, steadily trimming the deficit and setting up a tense finish.
Uganda’s late rally threatened to complete an unlikely comeback, but Rwanda held firm in the closing minutes to seal a deserved six-point victory.
The friendly formed part of both nations’ preparations for the next window of the World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, providing coaches with a valuable opportunity to assess player combinations and fine-tune tactical approaches ahead of competitive action.
While Uganda will draw encouragement from their strong opening quarter and determined fourth-quarter comeback, Rwanda will take confidence from a dominant second-quarter performance that ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.
John Deng Geu led the charge for Uganda, scoring 20 points in the contest.
The team was without Nike Sibande Dejur and Marvin Musiine-Kamali, who were yet to join arrive in Kigali.
The two are expected to be with the team before if flies out to Luanda, Angola Tuesday next week.
South Sudan next for Silverbacks
The Silverbacks will continue their preparations with another test against South Sudan on Friday before meeting Rwanda again on Saturday.
South Sudan are also holding a training camp in Kigali ahead of the resumption of the qualifiers.
In the current standings, South Sudan lead Group A with a 2-1 record after the opening window, while Rwanda sit bottom of Group C following three consecutive defeats.
The upcoming friendlies are expected to offer all three teams valuable match practice before competitive action resumes.