South Sudan overcame Kenya 80-63 to clinch third place in the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers. Rose Macuei had a standout game, leading with 18 points and 19 rebounds. Kenya, previous champions, finished in fourth, marking a decline from their prior standing in 2023.
South Sudan secured a victory over Kenya for the second consecutive time in the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers, finishing third in the tournament held at Cairo’s Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall. The game concluded with South Sudan winning 80-63, despite a competitive effort from Kenya in the second quarter. This win improved South Sudan’s season record to 3-2, while Kenya, who previously held the title in 2021, finished fourth despite a win over Burundi.
The turning point of the match came when Kenya, trailing by 19 points, mounted a comeback effort led by Christine Akinyi and Jemimah Omondi, who hit nine three-pointers early in the second period. They narrowed the deficit to six points before a buzzer-beater three-pointer by Adut Bulgak extended the lead for South Sudan at the half. South Sudan maintained their lead with strategic plays in the second half, concluding the game with strong offensive and defensive performances.
Rose Macuei delivered a standout performance for South Sudan, achieving a remarkable double-double with 18 points and 19 rebounds, marking a game-high efficiency rating of 30. Other notable contributors included Delicia Washington, Nyamuoch Pidor Teny, and Adut Bulgak, who scored 25, 18, and 12 points respectively, with Bulgak also pulling down 11 rebounds.
Statistical analysis indicates Kenya’s struggles began in the first quarter, where they fell behind dramatically and could not recover. South Sudan outperformed Kenya in rebounds, securing 56 to Kenya’s 41, while second-chance points were heavily in favor of South Sudan, contributing to their final margin of victory. The performance of the Kenyan bench was notably stronger, adding 21 points compared to South Sudan’s 3.
South Sudan’s progress since their debut in the 2021 qualifiers is evident as they move from previously winless campaigns to now securing a bronze medal with three wins in 2025. Conversely, Kenya’s drop from third place in the 2023 qualifiers to fourth this year indicates a decline in their competitive standing in African basketball.
The Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers serve as a crucial pathway for teams aiming to secure spots in the African championship. South Sudan, a relatively new participant on the continental basketball scene, has made significant strides since their initial entry in 2021. Meanwhile, Kenya, a former champion, has faced challenges in maintaining their competitive edge in recent qualifiers, highlighting a shift in the balance of power within the region.
In summary, South Sudan’s victory over Kenya reflects their growth as a competitive basketball team in Africa, achieving third place in the 2025 qualifiers. Meanwhile, Kenya’s declining performance suggests a need for reassessment in strategies to regain their previous standings in future competitions. The contrasting trajectories of both teams illustrate the evolving dynamics in African women’s basketball.
Original Source: www.fiba.basketball
