South Sudan Bright Starlets women's basketball team is making its mark on the continental stage in the FIBA Women Afro Basket competition. This team narrowly defeated their neighbors, the Uganda Gazelles, with a score of 68 to 69, in their Quarterfinals game Thursday.
Uganda initially led with a score of 25 points to 20 in the first quarter; however, South Sudan responded by scoring 26 points while Uganda managed only 15 in the second quarter. Although South Sudan seemed to take control at this juncture, Uganda tightened its defense in the third quarter, scoring 20 points to South Sudan's 13.
Nonetheless, the Bright Starlets fought back fiercely while Uganda maintained a slim one-point lead, as Akon Macuei score ultimately favored South Sudan in clinching the win.
“This means everything!! Straight into semifinals and a qualification into the world cup qualifiers,” reads a post from South Sudan Basketball’s Facebook page.
South Sudan initially struggled in the round of 16, losing two matches before securing their spot in the quarterfinals with a 75-65 victory against Egypt at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
The advancement of South Sudan women Basketball team to the semifinals will mark a historic achievement since the team was formed.
