Rwanda’s U18 men’s basketball team secured a place in the final of the FIBA U18 Zone 5 Championship after defeating Uganda 70-65 in a thrilling overtime semifinal on Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt.
The victory moves Rwanda one step closer to qualifying for the FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship.
Rwanda dominated the opening half, taking the first quarter 17-13 before extending its advantage with a commanding 21-10 second quarter to lead 38-23 at halftime.
The game turned dramatically after the break as Uganda capitalized on Rwanda’s costly turnovers. Rwanda managed just four points in the third quarter, allowing Uganda to outscore them 27-4 and overturn a 15-point deficit to take a 50-42 lead heading into the final quarter.
Facing elimination, Rwanda mounted a spirited comeback in the fourth period, outscoring Uganda 17-9 to tie the game at 59-59 and force overtime.
Rwanda had an opportunity to clinch victory in regulation when Mohamed Keita was awarded two free throws with just two seconds remaining. However, he missed both attempts, sending the contest into an extra five minutes.
The Rwandan side regained its composure in overtime, outscoring Uganda 11-6 to seal a hard-fought 70-65 victory and book its place in the championship game.
Ngabonziza Victor Hugo led Rwanda’s offense with 25 points, while Sean Mwesigwa contributed 13 points. Bizimana Kayira Plamedie produced a dominant all-round performance, finishing with 10 points, 20 rebounds, three assists, one steal and five blocks.
Rwanda reached the semifinals after finishing second in Group A behind hosts Egypt, while Uganda topped Group B ahead of South Sudan and Kenya.
In the day’s other match, Kenya defeated Tanzania 94-62 to finish fifth in the six-team tournament.
Rwanda will face the winner of the second semifinal between Egypt and South Sudan in Wednesday’s final, with the Zone 5 title and a place at the FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship at stake.
