South Sudan’s Bright Stars sweep Tunisia window to edge closer to 2027 FIBA world cup
Author: Michael Daniel | Published: 46 minutes ago
South Sudan’s Bright Stars Sweep Tunisia Window to Edge Closer to 2027 FIBA World Cup
South Sudan’s Bright Stars are targeting a return to the FIBA Basketball World Cup after winning all three of their qualifying matches in Tunisia and moving to seven wins and two losses in Group E.
The Bright Stars won all three of their games, defeating Guinea 81–71, Nigeria 82–79 and hosts Tunisia 79–75. The three victories have lifted South Sudan to seven wins and two losses in Group E, putting the team in a strong position ahead of the final qualifying window in February 2027.
Dominant Run in Tunisia
South Sudan began the window with an important 81–71 victory over Guinea. The Bright Stars then produced another hard-fought performance against Nigeria, securing an 82–79 victory on Friday.
South Sudan made a strong start to the game, taking an 11-point advantage at the end of the first quarter, 30–19. Nigeria responded strongly and managed to briefly take the lead during the third quarter. However, the Bright Stars regained control and held on for a three-point victory.
Marial Shayok led South Sudan with a game-high 19 points, while Nigeria’s Chimezie Metu finished with 17 points. The match went down to the final seconds, with Nigeria missing two three-point attempts that could have forced overtime.
The Bright Stars then completed the window with a 79–75 victory over hosts Tunisia on Sunday. It was South Sudan’s third consecutive victory in the qualifying window and maintained the team’s unbeaten record in the three games played during the round. The contest against Tunisia was closely fought from the beginning, with 21 lead changes before South Sudan managed to take control in the closing stages.
Majok Deng was one of the key performers for the Bright Stars, producing an all-round performance with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Carlik Jones also made an important contribution in the final moments. With only four seconds remaining, Jones converted two free throws to help South Sudan secure the 79–75 victory.
Tunisia’s Yacine Toumi was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points, but the Bright Stars remained composed under pressure and secured another important road victory. The result also highlighted South Sudan’s ability to perform in difficult away conditions, having defeated the host nation in front of its home supporters.
‘Diamonds Under Pressure’
Head coach Royal Ivey says the team has become accustomed to carrying the pressure that comes with being one of Africa’s leading basketball teams. Ivey says the Bright Stars have had a target on their backs for the past two to three years, but believes the pressure has helped the team develop. “Pressure bursts pipes or makes diamonds, and right now we are diamonds.” — Royal Ivey, Head Coach
He added that pressure is a privilege because it tests the character of the team and allows the players to grow. Despite the three victories, Ivey says South Sudan cannot afford to become complacent because qualification has not yet been secured.
“We are not there yet, but we have got bigger aspirations, and we have got to stay focused,” he said. The coach says the team’s objective for the final window is clear, securing qualification for the World Cup.
The Road to Qatar
The Bright Stars will have three more games to complete their qualification campaign when the fifth window takes place in February 2027. South Sudan is scheduled to face Guinea on February 25, followed by Nigeria on February 26, before completing the campaign against Tunisia on February 28.
The results from those games will determine South Sudan’s final position in Group E and its chances of securing a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar. Five African teams will qualify for the World Cup. With seven victories from nine games, South Sudan has placed itself in a strong position, but the team will still need to maintain its form and concentration during the final window.
The Bright Stars’ latest run also continues South Sudan’s emergence as a major force in African basketball. The national team qualified for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and made history by becoming the first South Sudanese national team to reach the tournament. The team is now aiming to return to the global stage in 2027, with the final three qualifying games in February set to determine whether the Bright Stars can complete the journey to Qatar.