South Sudan storm into second round of FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

 

South Sudan secured qualification for the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in emphatic fashion after crushing Libya 95-57 in their Group A second-round clash.

The Bright Stars produced another dominant all-round display, with Aher Uguak leading the scoring with 15 points, while Kur Kuath, JT Thor and Lol Wur also finished in double figures.

South Sudan once again underlined their dominance on the boards, outrebounding Libya 53-34 to extend an impressive streak of 12 consecutive World Cup qualifying games in which they have finished with more rebounds than their opponents. 

It was also the fourth straight qualifier in which Africa's highest-ranked team held at least a nine-rebound advantage over their rivals.

Their depth was equally evident as the bench contributed 42 points, highlighting the strength of a squad that featured only four players from the team that competed during the first qualifying window.

Despite the personnel changes, South Sudan maintained the chemistry, defensive intensity and fluid ball movement that have become trademarks of their recent rise. 

Their campaign has included victories over Libya and Cape Verde, with only Cameroon managing to halt their momentum in a narrow 60-56 defeat in November 2025.

Head coach Royal Ivey, returning to the South Sudan bench for the first time since the Paris 2024 Olympics, praised his players' togetherness after sealing qualification.

"We've got great chemistry as a team. Our energy is great and we play connected," Ivey said.

The American coach insisted his side remains focused despite booking a place in the next phase.

"I didn't even know we qualified for the second round, but to me, it is one game at a time. The business is not done, and we've got two more games, so we'll focus on the next opponents," he added.

South Sudan will now aim to preserve their unbeaten run in the current qualifying window when they face Cape Verde on July 4 before concluding with a highly anticipated clash against hosts Cameroon on July 5 at the Japoma Indoor Arena in Douala.

Having already secured progression, the Bright Stars are determined to keep building on their growing reputation as one of Africa's most exciting basketball teams, with their sights set firmly on making another statement on the road to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.