Egypt sends early warning to rivals

TodayUganda vs Angola 11:15amTunisia vs Benin 1:30pmDR Cong vs Egypt 3:30pmMali vs Rwanda 6:30pmIvory Coast vs Algeria 8:30pm SaturdayAlgeria 84-52 GabonEgypt 87-48 Uganda Defending champions Egypt have edged closer to qualifying for the quarter-finals after winning their opening two games in Group B at the ongoing FIBA-Africa U18 Championships in Kigali. The Pharaohs started their bid for a fourth continental title in last five editions in scintillating style, defeating Benin 141-25 on Friday night before affirming their tag as hot favourites, with a 87-48 win over debutants Uganda on Saturday at Amahoro indoor stadium. Against Uganda, center Raafat Tarek Mahomed had a game-high 19 points including 5 of 10 from 3-pointer and added 3 rebounds. One other Egyptian player had a double-double while another finished with triple scores. Point guard Omar Mohae Anwar Farag scored 13 points and 3 rebounds while center Seifeldini Elsandily added 10 points and 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Mathew Samuel Ochieng led the Ugandans with 16 points and 7 rebounds while Ivan Muhwezi added 8 and 3 rebounds. With two victories, Egypt look to be unstoppable while Uganda, who take on Angola today, will need to win the remaining three games if they are to finish among the top four team and qualify to the quarter-finals. In the earlier game, Sahbi Mohamed Akram scored the game high 17 points and one assist as Algeria beat Gabon 84-52 to get their campaign off to winning start. The entire Algeria team finished with combined 16 assists and 28 rebounds. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has withdrawn from the FIBA Africa U-18 Championship, according to FIBA media coordinator, Lamine Badiane, reducing the number of team to 11. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Egypt sends early warning to rivals