Fast start in Radès sets an electric mood
Group C closed in Radès with an atmosphere worthy of a continental final. Cameroon, seeking to even their record, met a South Sudan side fresh from an emphatic win over Cape Verde. Tip-off energy hinted at a gripping defensive duel, and the crowd sensed stakes.
Cameroon’s defensive web strangles the Bright Stars
From the opening quarter, Cameroon pressed full-court and clogged passing lanes. South Sudan’s usually fluid offense managed only 56 points, eleven below their tournament average. “We trusted our rotations and stayed disciplined,” a Cameroonian assistant coach noted after the match (Sport News Africa).
Momentum swings yet composure prevails
A late South Sudan rally trimmed a nine-point gap to two with under a minute left. Cameroon resisted panic, converting crucial free throws and forcing a turnover that sealed the 60-56 outcome. The win spared them a precarious 1-2 start in the qualification campaign.
Implications for the African qualifying picture
Cameroon’s victory tightens Group C, where point differential may decide second-round seedings. South Sudan still tops the pool but concedes psychological ground. Analysts suggest both nations have signalled depth in Africa’s expanding talent pool, an encouraging trend ahead of the 2027 global showpiece.