Luanda: The national basketball coach, Pep Clarós, considered to be decisive the team's performance in the 2nd half of the match against Uganda, which Angola won by a resounding 95-62, following a less successful initial stage. According to Angola Press News Agency, at half-time in the match, which was part of the 1st round of the 3rd African qualifying window for the 2027 World Cup, the national team held a 7-point lead (42-35). Speaking to the press after the game at the Kilamba pavilion, the coach emphasized that there was a burst of energy from the players in the final two quarters, which allowed them to extend the lead and secure passage to the qualification next stage. According to Pep Clarós, the group suffered from anxiety, and this caused a drop in rhythm during the 2nd period, during which the opponents grew into the game and managed to level the score at several points (33-33, 35-35). On his part, Uganda's coach, Mandy Juruni, complained about the squad's lack of consistency during the match, p articularly under pressure. He noted that he had anticipated a difficult game, given the technical ability and speed of the Angolans, and promised to perform better in the upcoming rounds against Mali on Saturday and Egypt on Sunday to keep the qualification dream up.