South Sudan Stuns Egypt in AfroBasket Thriller, Faces Uganda in Quarterfinal Clash

South Sudan's Remarkable Comeback Sets Up Quarterfinal Showdown with Uganda

In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, South Sudan edged out Egypt with a decisive 75-65 win, marking their first triumph of the tournament and propelling them into the quarterfinals. The team overcame a daunting 16-point deficit in the opening quarter, which saw Egypt dominate with a 26-10 lead, to stage a remarkable recovery in the second half.

Second Half Surge Propels South Sudan to Victory

Despite being the underdogs, South Sudan entered the game with confidence, fueled by pre-match odds favoring them in their crucial clash with Egypt. The momentum shifted in the second quarter as the newcomers chipped away at Egypt’s lead, closing the gap with a narrow 20-18 advantage. Coach Alberto Antuna’s halftime adjustments proved pivotal, as his squad adopted a relentless defensive strategy that stifled Egypt’s star player, Raneem Elgadawy, limiting her to just 5 points in the second half.

Offensively, South Sudan showcased a dynamic blend of speed and strength, leveraging their physicality to dominate the paint. Point guard Delicia Washington led the charge, delivering a standout performance with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks. Teresa Gakdeng emerged as the team’s top scorer, tallying 19 points and grabbing a game-high 24 rebounds, while Rose Akon Macuei added 17 points and 8 rebounds. Nyamer Lual and Adut Bulgak also made significant contributions, bullying opponents inside the key.

Egypt's Elgadawy Shines Despite Loss

For Egypt, Raneem Elgadawy shone brightly with a career-high 25 points, though her efforts were not enough to secure a win. Fellow scorers Farida Abdelnabi (13 points) and Meral Abdelgawad (10 points) provided support, but South Sudan’s resilience and tactical adjustments proved too much for the defending team.

The victory sets the stage for an all-Zone V quarterfinal showdown between South Sudan and Uganda’s Gazelles on Thursday afternoon. With their newfound momentum, the South Sudan squad will aim to continue their strong performance against their regional rivals.

Photo Credits: FIBA (Delicia Washington, Teresa Gakdeng, Nyamer Lual, Adut Bulgak)