Narrow Loss Ends Perfect Run
South Sudan’s Bright Stars slipped 66-64 to Angola in Luanda, surrendering top spot in Afrobasket Group C but retaining widespread respect for their organised defence and late rally.
Despite ranking first in FIBA Africa standings, the squad now sits third in the pool behind Guinea, forcing a longer qualification route to the quarter-finals.
Deng Issues Rallying Cry
Forward Majok Deng saluted Angola’s intensity yet promised a response, stating, “We must match their energy; we will bounce back next game.” His calm assertion echoed in the locker-room minutes after the buzzer.
Coach Royal Ivey backed the veteran’s assessment, emphasising physicality and sharper shooting as immediate adjustments before the Senegal fixture, viewed internally as a “final before the finals” by team staff.
Crunch Match against Senegal
Monday’s classification duel in Dakar offers South Sudan a direct ticket to the last eight; defeat would reroute them to placement rounds, a scenario analysts describe as “energy-sapping” amid a compressed tournament calendar.
Senegal, buoyed by home support and NBA-experienced centre Gorgui Dieng, finished second in Group B. Local broadcaster RTS predicts a “battle of pace versus power” distinguishing the East-West rivalry.
Fans Keep Faith
Hundreds gathered at Juba’s Nimra Talata court watched on giant screens, draped in black-red-green flags. Even after the final whistle, chants of “Bright Stars!” rolled across the stands, signalling resilient national pride.
Fan leader Nyamer Bol told reporters the loss “is only a pause in a long story,” referencing the team’s unprecedented World Cup run and maiden Olympic berth that already raised South Sudan’s sporting profile across the continent.
Implications for African Basketball
Observers highlight the game as proof of Afrobasket’s increasing parity; Angola’s seasoned roster, Guinea’s surprise and South Sudan’s rise collectively tighten competition ahead of the 2027 African Games in Brazzaville, an event Congo-Brazzaville officials say will showcase regional talent.
FIBA Africa communications director Alphonse Mouanda noted, “The sport’s growth is visible; every contest feels open now,” adding that expanded youth academies, including recent initiatives supported by Brazzaville, underpin the continent’s broader basketball boom.