Rwanda began the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers with an 83–69 defeat to Guinea on Thursday at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda.
Guinea started strongly, taking the first quarter 26–17 behind key contributions from Souleymane Boum Jr. and Shannon Evans. Rwanda responded in the second quarter, improving offensively to outscore Guinea 27–19 and cut the halftime deficit to 45–41.
Guinea regained control after the break, stretching its lead in the third quarter as Evans continued to lead the attack. Rwanda struggled to keep pace down the stretch as Guinea closed out the win.
Souleymane and Tuyizere Uwitoze led Rwanda with 17 points each.
Rwanda will face Tunisia in its second Group 3 game on Friday at 8 p.m. local time.
