Junior Silverbacks top Group B as Juuko warns of sem
The Uganda U18 boys' basketball team, the Junior Silverbacks, has secured a top spot in Group B at the FIBA U18 Zone V AfroBasket Qualifiers. Coach Daniel Juuko Najja is emphasizing focus and discipline as the team prepares for the upcoming semifinals.
Why it matters
Success in this tournament is the only path for the team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket finals.
Uganda U18 boys' head coach Daniel Juuko Najja says his team must remain focused after completing a perfect Group B campaign at the ongoing FIBA U18 Zone V AfroBasket Qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt.
The Junior Silverbacks finished top of the group after defeating Kenya 84-50 on Saturday, following Friday's 52-40 victory over South Sudan.
Uganda will now face the second-placed team from Group A in Tuesday's semifinal, with only the tournament winners qualifying for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket finals in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Juuko said the team has made a positive start but believes the biggest challenge still lies ahead.
"We have done well to finish top of our group, but our work is not finished. The players understand the semifinal is our biggest game because it keeps our AfroBasket dream alive," Juuko said.
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