Games set to be played this weekend are the first of two phases to determine the five teams to represent Africa in China next year.
In Group B, heavyweight Nigeria recorded an expected win over Uganda with a 102-86 result in the opening game before Rwanda stunned Mali in the next.
Playing before its home fans, Mali lost 70-74 to Rwanda in a closely contested game that puts Mali’s qualification at risk.
The same theme played out in Group D as underdog host Mozambique drew strength from home supporters to beat Ivory Coast 66-53.
Ivory Coast has been a steady performer on the continent in recent years but is staring at a possible consecutive loss in the competition when its takes on powerhouse Senegal today at 13:00 GMT.
Senegal will be in for a second straight win after recording a 70-65 win over Central African Republic despite the absence of several key players including Minnesota Timberwolves Forward Gorgui Dieng.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
