Cameroon Edge Uganda in Nail-Biting Quarter-Final to Reach Final Four

In a quarter-final showdown defined by grit, resilience, and defensive intensity, Cameroon battled past Uganda with a hard-fought 53-50 victory. The win secured the Central African side a historic spot in the semi-finals, making them the first team to book a place in the Last Four of this year’s continental tournament.

Both teams entered the contest with a sense of familiarity, having already met in the group phase. Cameroon had edged Uganda 57-50 in that earlier encounter, so expectations were high for another close contest — and the two sides delivered exactly that.

The first quarter mirrored the competitiveness that defined the entire matchup. Uganda began brightly, racing to a 9-6 lead in the opening five minutes. Yet, Cameroon found their rhythm through Nolan Ngangmeni, who single-handedly shifted momentum with a blistering seven-point run. His efforts ensured the quarter swung in Cameroon’s favour, ending 17-14.

The second period proved decisive. Cameroon’s energy on both ends of the floor overwhelmed Uganda, leading to a crucial 13-6 run. Felix Deumi scored six points during this stretch, while Luther Maboula capped the half with a confident three-pointer, giving Cameroon a double-digit cushion at 30-20. Uganda, by contrast, struggled offensively, its only points in the frame coming from Shane Kwizera at the free-throw line. That inability to convert in open play would haunt them later.

To their credit, Uganda regrouped after halftime. Midway through the third quarter, Cameroon’s lead stood at seven points, but the East Africans mounted a spirited response. A 9-0 run brought them within touching distance, trimming the deficit to just a single point at 37-36. Yet, untimely turnovers and wasted possessions prevented them from seizing the lead. Cameroon capitalised, restoring order to head into the final quarter up 41-36.

The fourth period was a tense, low-scoring affair. Uganda outscored Cameroon 14-12, but the margin was insufficient to overturn the deficit. Despite their late surge, the East Africans could not find the baskets when they mattered most, while Cameroon’s composure from the free-throw line proved just enough to seal victory.

Cameroon’s triumph owed much to Oliver Ngoumou, whose presence in the paint was game-defining. He hauled down 17 rebounds, including a staggering 15 on the defensive glass, ensuring that Uganda’s second-chance opportunities were minimal. Ngoumou also contributed 11 points and three assists, finishing with the highest efficiency rating on his team.

Ngangmeni was equally instrumental, displaying composure at the charity stripe by converting 11 of his 13 free throws. He added a three-pointer and a basket inside to total 16 points, providing Cameroon with the consistent scoring threat they needed.

Uganda’s downfall stemmed from two critical issues: rebounding and discipline. Allowing a single player to grab 15 defensive boards will be a point of frustration for the coaching staff. Moreover, gifting Cameroon 30 free-throw opportunities, even though they missed 13, proved costly. Despite their spirited effort, those lapses undermined Uganda’s hopes of making history.

For Cameroon, the win represents a major step toward qualification for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup. With a semi-final berth secured on debut, they now stand on the cusp of the championship game and a potential ticket to the global stage. Uganda, meanwhile, will regroup in the classification rounds, aiming for a fifth-place finish — an achievement that would still mark progress from their previous tournament results.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]