Nam Blazers beat Ushindzi 109–45 as Urunani defeat COSPN and Patriots add Ater Majok. Read the results, statistics, and Uganda’s qualification outlook.
Namuwongo Blazers gave Uganda an emphatic start to the Road to BAL qualifiers, beating Comoros’ Ushindzi 109–45 at Hoima City Arena on Wednesday.
Peter Obleng scored 22 points as the hosts established control early and maintained it throughout the contest.
However, the wider Group D picture demands attention. Burundi’s Urunani opened with a 93–69 victory over COSPN, while South Sudan’s Patriots have strengthened their squad with experienced centre Ater Majok.
With only two Elite 16 places available, Namuwongo’s opening performance offers encouragement rather than a completed qualification mission.
Obleng Leads Namuwongo’s Opening Statement
Kawowo’s match report identifies Obleng as the leading scorer in a commanding team performance.
Peter Olisemeka collected 15 rebounds, and Moses Mugisha added 10, giving Namuwongo important support around the basket.
The Blazers began with a 7–0 run and led 31–14 after the first quarter. By halftime, the advantage had grown to 62–28.
That platform allowed coach Luis Lopez Hernandez to rotate his players after the interval.
Namuwongo still finished strongly, restricting Ushindzi to six points in the final quarter. A 64-point victory rewarded their ability to maintain pressure even after the result appeared secure.
Quarter-by-Quarter Statistics
FIBA’s official game record confirms Namuwongo won every quarter.
| Period | Nam Blazers | Ushindzi |
| First quarter | 31 | 14 |
| Second quarter | 31 | 14 |
| Third quarter | 20 | 11 |
| Fourth quarter | 27 | 6 |
| Final score | 109 | 45 |
| Shooting statistic | Nam Blazers | Ushindzi |
| Field-goal percentage | 52% | 28% |
| Two-point shooting | 77.1% | 35.3% |
| Three-point shooting | 19.4% | 20.6% |
The contrast is instructive. Namuwongo dominated despite shooting below 20% from three-point range. Their success therefore depended on more than perimeter accuracy.
The challenge is preserving efficient scoring when stronger opponents offer fewer opportunities near the rim.
Lopez Gets a Chance to Test His Defence
FIBA’s tournament report describes Lopez experimenting with full-court pressure, man-to-man defence and zone schemes incorporating traps.
Those defensive changes helped generate turnovers, which produced 31 points for Namuwongo.
That matters beyond this opening result. Different opponents demand different solutions, and Lopez used the game to examine how his players responded to changing instructions.
Our earlier report on Nam Blazers’ squad preparations outlined the importance of coaching, depth and cohesion.
Wednesday supplied encouraging evidence, but the next test is executing those same principles when opponents protect possession more effectively and punish defensive mistakes.
For Lopez, rotation must now preserve energy while ensuring every lineup understands its defensive assignments and scoring options.
Urunani Send Their Own Warning
Urunani’s 93–69 win over Madagascar’s COSPN demonstrated why the hosts cannot focus only on their own performance.
According to Kawowo’s Urunani report, Mahamane Coulibaly scored 21 points, Chingka Kennedy Garba added 18, and Jeffery Tyrone Stubbs contributed 17 points with eight assists.
The Burundian side led 26–8 after the opening quarter and 56–21 at halftime.
FIBA’s analysis highlights their quick transition attack and aggressive defence, with Coulibaly and Garba running the floor effectively.
For Namuwongo, the implication is clear: careless turnovers could become immediate scoring opportunities against opponents comfortable attacking before a defence is organised.
COSPN’s Response Deserves Attention
The final margin does not tell the whole Urunani–COSPN story.
COSPN improved after halftime, winning the third quarter 22–13 and the fourth 26–24.
Hasina Rasolonandrianina finished with 17 points and 20 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards, while Ikenna Kenechukwu Okeke scored 20.
Those figures should influence Namuwongo’s preparation for Thursday’s meeting with the Malagasy side.
Defensive rebounds must finish possessions. Allowing repeated second chances would give COSPN a route back into contention, even if their initial shooting remains inconsistent.
The Blazers should respect that threat without allowing the opponent’s response to overshadow their own strengths.
Patriots Add Majok to the Equation
Kawowo’s Patriots squad update reports that Majok has joined the South Sudanese representatives ahead of their campaign.
FIBA’s confirmed roster independently lists him among their players.
His experience includes winning the 2022 BAL championship with US Monastir, adding continental pedigree to the group’s competitive picture.
Patriots open against Urunani on Thursday. That meeting should offer an early indication of how their strengthened roster functions against opponents already carrying winning momentum.
For Namuwongo, the lesson is to assess the entire team rather than prepare around one prominent recruit. Rebounding, defensive movement and ball security remain collective responsibilities.
What Qualification Actually Requires
FIBA identifies Hoima’s tournament as part of the Road to BAL 2027, although these fixtures are taking place in October 2026.
The competition runs from October 21–25, with five teams competing for two East Division Elite 16 places.
Reaching that stage would represent progress, rather than automatic entry into the BAL itself.
Our Road to BAL Group D guide explains the broader qualification pathway.
Namuwongo’s objective remains building enough consistent performances to finish among the leading two, without assuming one dominant win settles the standings.
What It Means for Ugandan Supporters
Hoima gives supporters a chance to watch continental club basketball on home soil rather than follow the entire journey from abroad.
The Uganda Media Centre identifies expanding basketball beyond Kampala as a central purpose of hosting.
For fans travelling from the capital or neighbouring districts, the tournament combines national interest with support for Uganda’s champions.
For young players, Obleng’s scoring and Namuwongo’s defensive organisation provide practical examples to study.
The atmosphere can help the hosts, but discipline on court must convert that backing into qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led Nam Blazers’ scoring?
Peter Obleng scored 22 points against Ushindzi.
How many teams advance from Hoima?
The top two qualify for the East Division Elite 16.
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Verdict
Namuwongo have started impressively, but Urunani’s victory and Patriots’ recruitment underline the work ahead. Uganda’s representatives must turn opening dominance into consistent execution, beginning with COSPN. Hoima has supplied the platform; qualification still has to be earned on court.
