Rwanda's national men's basketball team suffered a disappointing start to the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, falling 89-63 to Guinea on Thursday at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda in Angola. Competing in Group C, Rwanda struggled to contain a confident Guinean side led by Souleymane Boum Jr. and Shannon Evans, who inspired their team to a strong opening quarter. Guinea took an early 26-17 lead after dominating the first 10 minutes. Rwanda responded positively in the second quarter, with Furaha Cadeau de Dieu and Irakoze Hodari Herve leading the comeback

Rwanda's national men's basketball team suffered a disappointing start to the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, falling 89-63 to Guinea on Thursday at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda in Angola.

Competing in Group C, Rwanda struggled to contain a confident Guinean side led by Souleymane Boum Jr. and Shannon Evans, who inspired their team to a strong opening quarter. Guinea took an early 26-17 lead after dominating the first 10 minutes.

Rwanda responded positively in the second quarter, with Furaha Cadeau de Dieu and Irakoze Hodari Herve leading the comeback. Their improved offensive display saw the Silverbacks outscore Guinea 27-19 during the period, reducing the deficit to just four points. However, Guinea still held a narrow 45-41 advantage at halftime.

The Guineans regained control after the break, producing another dominant performance in the third quarter to stretch their lead and put the game beyond Rwanda's reach heading into the final period.

Guinea maintained its momentum in the fourth quarter, comfortably sealing an 89-63 victory to begin its qualifying campaign on a high note.

Souleymane Boum Jr. finished as one of Guinea's standout performers with 17 points, while Rwanda's Tuyizere Uwitoze also scored 17 points to emerge as his team's leading scorer.

The defeat marks Rwanda's first loss in the second phase of the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which will be hosted in Qatar. Despite entering this stage with little chance of qualification after losing all of their first-round qualifying matches, Rwanda will be hoping to finish the campaign on a positive note in the remaining fixtures.

The team now turns its attention to its next Group C encounter, where it will look to bounce back and restore confidence after a difficult opening performance in Luanda.

A little more informed. A little more connected.