Luanda: Considered one of the main favorites to win the Afrobasket 2025 tournament, South Sudan was eliminated on Monday after a 78-65 loss to Senegal in a play-off game at the Kilamba pavilion. The defeat has been seen as a negative surprise given South Sudan’s strong position in the African basketball rankings.

According to Angola Press News Agency, South Sudan, the tallest team in the tournament, was almost relegated to the quarterfinals after failing to qualify in the first round due to two initial phase defeats against Guinea (80-88) and Angola (64-66). Despite a strong victory over Libya with a score of 115-52, South Sudan could not maintain its status as a favorite, leading to reflections on the team’s perceived superiority.

The match, initially expected to be evenly matched, saw Senegal dominate from the start, winning the first quarter 21-18. Senegal’s victory was attributed largely to their defensive efficiency, which disrupted South Sudan’s ability to attack from beneath the boards.

In the second quarter, Senegal capitalized on the prowess of their two point guards, Jeans Jacques Boissy and Branco Badio, who not only supported the defense but also scored extensively, allowing Senegal to lead 46-25 at halftime. By the third quarter, Senegal had extended their lead to 21 points. Although South Sudan managed to reduce the deficit to eight points at one stage, it was insufficient to prevent a 62-54 defeat.

Senegal, recovering from the scare, entered the final quarter confidently, securing a 78-65 victory. Senegal’s point guard Branco Badio was instrumental, leading the game with 31 points. In the upcoming quarterfinals, Senegal is set to face Nigeria.

The team line-ups and scores were as follows:

Senegal: Brancou Badio (31), Jean-Jacques Boissy (10), Pape Moustapha Diop (09), Ibrahima Fall-Faye (12), Amar Sylla (03), Ibou Badji (09), Ibrahima Diallo (02), Makhtar Gueye (02), Gora Camara (00), Babacar Diallo (00), Karim Mane (00), Ousmane Ndiaye (00). Coach: DeSagana Diop.

South Sudan: Majok Deng (11), Kendale McCullum (10), Wenyen Gabriel (05), Nuni Omot (13), Both Gach (14), Emmanuel Akot (00), Angok Deng (05), Mareng Gatkuoth (00), Peter Jok (00), Kur Kuath (03), Joseph Lual-Acuil (04), Junior Madut (00).