South Sudan Secures Bronze by Defeating Kenya in Women’s…

South Sudan triumphed over Kenya 80-63 in the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers, securing third place. With a strong first half, South Sudan improved to a 3-2 record, while Kenya, the 2021 regional champions, finished fourth. Key performances from Rose Macuei and others were pivotal in the match, as Kenya struggled to recover from an early deficit.

In a remarkable display, South Sudan defeated Kenya for the second consecutive encounter in the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers at the Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo. The final score of 80-63 highlighted South Sudan’s dominant start, although they faced pressures during the second quarter. This victory marked South Sudan’s improvement this year to a record of 3-2, while Kenya, former African silver medallists and the 2021 regional champions, finished fourth after previously defeating Burundi.

The pivotal moment of the match occurred when Kenya, trailing by 19 points, saw Christine Akinyi and Jemimah Omondi connect on nine three-pointers within the first two minutes of the second quarter, narrowing the lead to 32-22. Although Victoria Reynolds propelled Kenya to within six points just before halftime, a buzzer-beater by Adut Bulgak extended South Sudan’s lead back to nine. South Sudan sustained their advantage with strong scoring runs in the third and fourth quarters, ultimately securing the bronze medal.

Rose Macuei delivered an outstanding performance, achieving a double-double with 18 points and 19 rebounds, earning a game-high efficiency rating of 30. The support from Delicia Washington, Nyamuoch Pidor Teny, and Adut Bulgak was also significant, contributing 25, 18, and 12 points, respectively, with Bulgak also achieving a double-double with 11 rebounds.

Kenya’s struggle began with a lackluster first quarter that left them chasing from behind throughout the match. Their failure to recover from the 19-point deficit ultimately led to a 17-point defeat, mirroring their performance in the group phase. A notable statistic was South Sudan’s advantage in rebounding, 56-41, which translated to a significant 25-8 edge in second-chance points, while both teams tied in points scored in the paint and turnovers.

South Sudan’s journey since their 2021 debut in Kigali has been marked by notable improvement; they have progressed from a winless campaign to securing one victory in 2023 against Rwanda and three wins in 2025, culminating in a bronze medal. Unfortunately for Kenya, they will miss the African competition once again, dropping from third place in the 2023 Qualifiers to fourth place in the current standings.

The Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers serve as a critical qualification pathway for national teams competing in Africa’s premier women’s basketball tournament. This tournament brings together top teams to vie for a spot in the AfroBasket championship, showcasing emerging talents and established players. South Sudan’s recent progress indicates a positive trajectory for their women’s basketball program, while Kenya’s decline suggests challenges for the former regional champions. This competition not only affects rankings but also shapes the future of women’s basketball in Africa, providing vital experience and exposure for all participating teams.

In conclusion, South Sudan’s victory over Kenya represents a significant milestone in their development within women’s basketball as they secure a bronze medal in the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers. The game highlighted key performances, particularly from Rose Macuei, while revealing the struggles faced by Kenya as they seek to reclaim their former standing in African basketball. As both teams reflect on their journeys, South Sudan looks to build on their success, while Kenya must reassess their strategies moving forward.

Original Source: www.fiba.basketball