Friday

Semi-finalsUganda vs Rwanda 7pmEgypt vs Burundi 9:15pm

Rwanda and Uganda national basketball teams will renew their rivalry when the two sides meet in the first semi-final of the 2017 FIBA-Africa Zone V Championships on Friday evening in Cairo, Egypt.

Both sides will go into the game aware that the winner will not only edge closer to winning the regional tournament but also qualify for the 2017 FIBA-Afro Basket finals slated for August 17-31 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

The game means a lot for Moise Mutokambali’s side, which missed out on qualification last edition after losing to then hosts Uganda 69-61 at the same stage.

Rwanda’s key players like Kami Kabange, Olivier Shyaka, Kenneth Gasana, Bradley Cameron and team captain Aristide Mugabe were part of the team that lost to Uganda in 2015.

Gasana, who plies his trade at Moroccan side L’Ittihad Riadhi de Tanger and has been in outstanding form for Rwanda at the ongoing tournament, said that today’s clash is a do-or-die game for them as they seek to revenge against Uganda.

"We have played these guys (Uganda) on several occasions before, we know each other pretty well and I hope it’s going to be a good game for us,” said Gasana.

In their last four meetings, Rwanda has won three and lost once. Meanwhile, hosts Egypt play against Burundi in the second semi-final.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw