South Sudan defeated Kenya 80-63 in the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers, securing third place. The game was characterized by a strong first half from South Sudan and notable performances from players like Rose Macuei. Kenya struggled despite a spirited effort and will miss out on the upcoming African competition, dropping from third to fourth in the qualifiers.
In the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers held in Cairo, South Sudan triumphed over Kenya with a score of 80-63, marking their second consecutive victory against them. Despite facing pressure during the second quarter, South Sudan led firmly throughout the match, concluding the tournament with a 3-2 record, securing a third-place finish. In contrast, Kenya, the previous regional champions, ended in fourth place after winning against Burundi.
The game’s turning point occurred early in the second quarter when Kenya, initially trailing by 19 points, found momentum through Christine Akinyi and Jemimah Omondi, who collectively made nine three-pointers. Kenya managed to reduce the deficit to six points, but a buzzer-beater three-pointer from South Sudan’s Adut Bulgak extended their lead again before halftime. South Sudan continued their dominance with effective scoring and rebounding in the third and fourth quarters, solidifying their win.
Rose Macuei had a standout performance, achieving a double-double with 18 points and 19 rebounds, alongside two assists and two steals, resulting in the highest efficiency rating of the game. Other notable players included Delicia Washington, Nyamuoch Pidor Teny, and Adut Bulgak, who collectively contributed significantly to the scoreline. Despite their efforts, Kenya struggled with rebounding and pressure throughout the game.
Statistical analysis reveals that South Sudan’s lead of 19 points in the first quarter set the tone for the match, with Kenya unable to recover fully. South Sudan excelled in rebounding, outperforming Kenya 56-41, and dominated second-chance points 25-8. Despite tying in points in the paint and off turnovers, Kenya’s bench failed to provide substantial support.
The improvements of South Sudan since their debut in the 2021 qualifiers are remarkable, progressing from no wins to a bronze medal in 2025. Conversely, Kenya’s decline from third to fourth place in the qualifiers raises concerns about their future in African competitions. This match demonstrates the evolving landscape of women’s basketball in the region, underlining the competitiveness and potential of emerging teams like South Sudan.
The Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers serve as a critical pathway for national teams to secure their places in the prestigious AfroBasket tournament. The 2025 qualifiers have seen intense competition among five teams, including former regional champions Kenya, who have faced challenges replicating their past successes. For South Sudan, this tournament represents a significant milestone as they seek to enhance their standing on the continental stage after struggling during their initial appearance in 2021.
In summary, South Sudan’s victory against Kenya represents a significant achievement for the team, showcasing their development and competitive spirit. Rose Macuei’s outstanding performance underlines the talent within the squad and their potential for future tournaments. Meanwhile, Kenya’s decline from a previous championship position highlights the challenges they face moving forward as they aim to regain their status within African women’s basketball.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
