Fiba AfroBasket 2021 qualifier
Morocco 65-77 Uganda
The full list of nations that will take part in the Fiba AfroBasket 2021 is complete after Uganda defeated Morocco 77-65 to finish second in Group E as the qualification campaign drew to a close on Friday evening.
The victory ensured that the Silverbacks will now join giants Senegal and Cameroon as well as newcomers South Sudan in Group D of the 16-team tournament that starts August 24 in Kigali, Rwanda.
Uganda’s journey was however far from straightforward as they had to endure a frustrating few months after being thrown out of the second qualification window after returning several positive Covid-19 results in Tunisia in February.
This meant that they had to travel to Morocco and Cape Verde for the rescheduled games needing at least one game to progress for a third straight appearance.
Before their first game, they then thrice then had to alter training schedules after being told the team would have to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Morocco with Uganda considered a high risk Covid-19 nation.
They did eventually reach Morocco following a shortened four-day camp in Cairo.
But once on the court, the Silverbacks showed no signs of ill-preparation taking a 20-10 advantage after the first quarter.
The Moroccans did fight back, moving to within a point of the Silverbacks winning the second quarter 21-12 to trail 32-31 going into the long long break.
Uganda’s second unit then came in handy with Arthur Kaluma leading the charge.
The 19-year old youngster who was making his debut for Uganda scored 12 of his game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter with 10 coming in the final five minutes to deliver victory.
Kaluma made 2-of-3 shot attempts in the third quarter as the Silverbacks led 55-44 going into the final period before taking over down the stretch.
He scored to make it 64-59 with 4:25 on the clock and made a free throw to give the Silverbacks a seven-point advantage with just over two minutes left.
He then converted a three-point play and two free throws before crowing his performance with a dunk to close the scoring with 47 seconds left to deliver the 77-65 result.
Eric Rwahire added 14 points while Ishmael Wainright chipped in with a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Soufiane Kourdou, Zouita, and Haras all had 13 points in a losing effort for Morocco.
Their loss meant that they were also leapfrogged by Cape Verde who consequently finished third behind Egypt and Uganda and will play in group A alongside hosts Rwanda, DR Congo and Angola.
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