Introduction to South Sudan’s Basketball History

South Sudan’s women’s basketball team has achieved a remarkable milestone by qualifying for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament for the first time. This historic feat marks a significant turning point in the country’s sporting history, highlighting the rapid growth and development of women’s basketball in South Sudan.

The Journey to Success

Since their international debut in 2021, the team has shown steady progress and improvement. One of their most notable achievements was securing their first major win in 2023 against Rwanda in the Zone 5 Qualifiers. Under the guidance of coach Alberto Antuña, the team has continued to recruit top South Sudanese talents from around the world, leading to significant enhancements in their performance.

Qualification for AfroBasket 2025

In the 2025 AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers held in Cairo, Egypt, South Sudan finished third but was awarded a wildcard entry by FIBA, securing their first-ever spot in the tournament. A standout moment in their campaign was an impressive 80-63 victory over Kenya, demonstrating their competitiveness on the continental stage. Key players such as Adut Bulgak, a former WNBA draftee, and Delicia Washington, who led the team with 26 points against Kenya, played crucial roles in their success.

Preparations for AfroBasket 2025

With their qualification for AfroBasket 2025 confirmed, the team will now focus on preparing for the tournament, set to take place from July 25 to August 3 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This preparation phase will be critical in ensuring the team is ready to compete against the best teams in Africa.

Conclusion

The qualification of South Sudan’s women’s basketball team for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and the growth of women’s basketball in the country. As they prepare to compete on the continental stage, they carry not only the hopes of their nation but also the pride of being trailblazers in South Sudan’s sporting history. Their journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes and fans alike, showing that with perseverance and talent, achieving the impossible is possible.

Egypt Secures Record-Extending 26th Appearance at Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt has secured a record-extending 26th appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations finals after coming from behind to beat Guinea 2-1 on Wednesday. The win ensured Egypt’s top spot in their qualifying group with one match to play in the preliminary competition. They are the eighth country to qualify for the 24-team finals, which will be hosted in the Ivory Coast next year.

A Hard-Fought Victory

Captain Mohamed Salah missed two gilt-edged chances, but Mahmoud Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed scored to ensure Egypt’s return for another tilt at the African crown, which they have won a record seven times. Guinea took the lead through Serhou Guirassy after 27 minutes, but saw Salah then miss twice from close range before Trezeguet equalized. Mohamed fired home the winner 11 minutes from the end in Marrakech, Morocco, where Guinea were forced to move from their home stadium due to it being ruled unfit for the competition.

Implications for Other Teams

Defeat for Guinea, who are on nine points, opens the door for one of the other two teams in the group – Ethiopia and Malawi – who each have three points and play on Tuesday. The winner of that match then has a chance to catch up, but a draw would see Guinea qualify.

Gambia and Guinea Bissau Get Closer to Qualification

Gambia strengthened their chances of returning to the Cup of Nations finals after a dramatic last-gasp goal earned them a 3-2 win over South Sudan. Substitute Hamza Barry netted the winner seven minutes into stoppage time as Gambia moved to nine points in Group G, sharing top spot with Mali.

A Lusophone Derby

Guinea Bissau’s 1-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe earlier on Wednesday in the Lusophone derby strengthened their chances of qualifying from Group A, where they have advanced to 10 points after five games with a one-point lead over Nigeria. The 55th-minute winner from former Belgium youth international Zinho Gano will qualify Guinea Bissau for a fourth successive finals appearance if Sierra Leone fail to beat Nigeria in the other group game on Sunday.

Conclusion

The Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches are heating up, with several teams securing their spots in the finals. Egypt’s record-extending 26th appearance is a testament to their strength and determination. As the qualifying rounds come to a close, fans can expect more thrilling matches and surprising upsets. With the top two teams in each group set to play at the finals in January, the competition is sure to be fierce and exciting.

Introduction to the Big Match

Seeking to strengthen their grip on the top four of the Premier League, El Meriek Bentiu welcomed their local rivals Bentiu city at the Juba national stadium this afternoon. The mars were looking to bounce back to winning ways from their previous two fixtures that ended in a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 loss to Jamus, results that led to the sacking of the interim coach Richard Justin, Football Director Maliah Kuol Gai and registrar Mahoth Maker.

Team Performance and Statistics

Bentiu city were aiming to complete their first ever win against the local arch-rivals El Meriek Bentiu. The two sides met in the Bentiu Football Association’ South Sudan Cup, which El Meriek won. Bentiu City had a lackluster form, with five losses in the process, negative nine goals and 11 points, to rest in the ninth position. A solo goal from Aluk Akech salvaged a point for El Meriek Bentiu in their recent game against Young Star Football Club, which ended in a draw (1-1).

Current Standing and Aspirations

El Meriek currently sits fifth on the table and is still harbouring realistic aspirations of African premier competition for next season. They will have to win the rest of the games. They are nine points behind Jamus with a game less. On the other hand, Bentiu City will have to improve their league form if they want to build momentum going forward and if they are to end their inaugural league in a convincing position, with 15 games remaining till the end of the season.

Confidence and Previous Performance

There is reason for El Meriek to be confident to bounce back to winning ways and success in their fixture, even though they won two of their last five matches at the Juba National Stadium, including a frustrating 1-1 draw to Young Star FC and a 2-1 loss to arch-rivals Jamus SC. They will aim for a league success, as their opponents are in good run of form, having won one and drew one against less opponents. Aside from their previous loss and draw to Jamus and Young star at the beginning of this month, El Meriek has been in a fantastic form over the last 8 matches before losing to Jamus scoring close to 14 goals in three league games.

Challenges and Opportunities

Bentiu city has a challenge in the defense, as they have conceded many goals this season. This form gives confidence to the El Meriek attack that boasts of Ahmmed Musa, Tethloc Thor, Tot Maet, and Majak David. The attacking lineup of El Meriek is one of their strongest assets, and they will be looking to capitalize on Bentiu City’s defensive weaknesses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the match between El Meriek Bentiu and Bentiu City is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to achieve their respective goals. El Meriek will be seeking to bounce back to winning ways and strengthen their grip on the top four, while Bentiu City will be aiming to complete their first ever win against their local arch-rivals. With the current form and statistics of both teams, it will be an exciting match to watch, and only time will tell who will emerge victorious.