Egypt clinch quarter-final spot after tense battle with Uganda

The stakes couldn’t have been higher heading into this evening’s clash. With Senegal’s earlier win over Mali, the pressure shifted squarely onto Egypt, who stepped onto the court knowing that only a win would keep their AfroBasket 2025 hopes alive. Across from them stood Uganda—underdogs on paper, but packing enough shooters and swagger to complicate any storyline.

The opening exchanges were tense and cagey. Uganda’s hustle and physicality disrupted Egypt’s rhythm early, and the Silverbacks edged ahead in the first quarter, buoyed by relentless energy on both ends of the floor. Deng John Geu was a commanding presence in the paint, battling for position and finishing strong around the rim. He would end the night with 19 points, keeping Uganda in the fight even when their offense briefly stalled.

But for every Uganda push, Egypt had an answer.

Veteran guard Amr El Gendy stepped up as the calming presence the Pharaohs needed. With slick drives, smart decisions, and a clutch scoring touch, his 17 points proved critical to Egypt’s stability and momentum. By the end of the opening quarter, the Pharaohs had trimmed Uganda’s lead to just one—a clear message: we’re not letting you run away with this.

The second quarter delivered more fireworks. Robinson Opong, Uganda’s long-range specialist, caught fire from deep on his way to 14 points, while Naseef Lubowa added 13, his explosive drives slicing through Egypt’s transition defense.

Still, Egypt weathered the storm. Patrick Gardner provided a reliable inside presence, showing finesse around the rim and composure at the free-throw line. His 15-point outing helped keep the scoreboard ticking for the Pharaohs as the contest grew more intense.

Halftime arrived with Egypt clinging to a narrow 34-33 lead. What had looked like a routine path to the quarterfinals had turned into a nerve-wracking battle against a fearless Ugandan side.

But the third quarter brought the breakthrough Egypt desperately needed.

After a tight start where both teams traded baskets, Ibrahim Zahran injected life into the Pharaohs with back-to-back transition finishes, igniting the home crowd and flipping the momentum. His spark triggered an 8-point surge, capped by a thunderous fast-break dunk from Patrick Gardner and ice-cold free throws from Amr El Gendy.

In the blink of an eye, Egypt had turned a tense showdown into a commanding 12-point lead, seizing control and putting Uganda on the back foot.

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“We knew Uganda would come and try to play a good game before they leave”, recalls Egypt’s Ahmed Aboelela Moursi Khalaf.

Uganda’s time-out came too late to halt the wave. Though Geu and Opong continued to answer with tough shots, the depth of Egypt’s rotation began to tell. Bench production was decisive: 53 points came from those stepping in, with Mido Taha and Omar Oraby each reaching double figures at ten apiece. Oraby’s presence frustrated Uganda’s smaller frontcourt, while Taha’s timely scores—including crucial free throws—kept the momentum firmly in Egyptian hands.

Statistics underlined Egypt’s grip on the contest. They capitalized on 23 points from Uganda turnovers, punishing every mistake with quick transition attacks. This dominance on second-chance opportunities—14 in total—ensured extra possessions that slowly wore down the Silverbacks. (insert quote here)

El Gendy, in particular, embraced the role of conductor. Whether orchestrating from the perimeter, slashing through defenders, or spacing the floor with perimeter shooting, he embodied the leadership Egypt required. His efficient shooting line of 5-for-10 from the field and 2-for-4 beyond the arc was matched by the intangible calmness he projected in heated stretches.

The final quarter reflected Egypt’s control. While Uganda refused to yield, continually pushing through Geu’s relentless aggression, the Pharaohs had established a buffer they would not surrender. Each attempted Silverbacks surge met with Egyptian poise—whether Gardner’s rebounding presence, Zahran’s hustle, or Abdelgawad’s contributions at the stripe. The Silverbacks were never allowed closer than nine points in the closing stages.

When the buzzer finally sounded, the 77-64 result ensured Egypt’s clean 3-0 sweep of Group D and the coveted automatic quarter-final ticket. Relief mingled with celebration: what had begun as a fraught encounter transformed into confirmation of their strength in depth and their ability to rise when tested.

For Uganda, there was pride in the fight. Geu’s assertiveness, Opong’s perimeter shooting, and Lubowa’s penetration highlighted their potential, though the lack of interior size ultimately exposed them against Egypt’s taller lineup. Their tournament hopes remain alive, but the path has become steeper.

Egypt, meanwhile, march on with confidence, having survived the kind of challenge that tests not only skill but mentality. The statistics and scoreline will tell of dominance, but they have to brace themselves as the tournament goes on. What’s more : they’re to face Uganda again in February 2026, during the World Cup Qualifiers.

“I heard we’ll meet them again in February 2026 for the World Cup Qualifiers. I’m sure we’ll have another great game”, concluded the player.

[Photography/Imagery : Courtesy of FIBA]

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