The FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers delivered a statement result on August 31, 2026, as South Sudan stunned Tunisia 79-75 on the road. The Bright Stars, continuing their rapid rise on the continental stage, edged out the host side in a tightly contested battle that swung back and forth until the final minute. The result has significant implications for the group standings and reinforces South Sudan’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s most dangerous qualifiers.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, it was clear that Tunisia was not going to have it easy. The home team leaned on its disciplined half-court offense and aggressive defensive pressure, but South Sudan matched the intensity with superior athleticism and an unshakable belief. The visitors took a narrow lead into the first quarter and never trailed by more than six points, keeping constant pressure on the Tunisian defense with fast-break opportunities and sharp outside shooting.

Tunisia briefly seized control in the third quarter, using a 10-2 run to grab a five-point lead. But South Sudan responded with a decisive 14-3 surge, reclaiming the advantage and setting up a tense final stanza. With under two minutes remaining, the game was tied at 73, and it was South Sudan’s composure in the closing moments that proved decisive. A clutch three-pointer followed by two made free throws sealed the win and silenced the home crowd.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter response: After Tunisia’s biggest run of the night, South Sudan’s defense tightened and forced three consecutive turnovers, turning them into seven quick points to regain momentum.
• The go-ahead triple: With the score tied at 73 and 1:20 left, South Sudan’s backcourt knocked down a contested three-pointer from the wing — a shot that ultimately decided the game.
• Free-throw execution: South Sudan converted 18 of 22 attempts from the charity stripe, including a perfect 4-for-4 in the final 30 seconds.

Standout Performances

South Sudan’s Wenyen Gabriel was the anchor on both ends, finishing with a game-high 21 points and 12 rebounds. His ability to guard multiple positions and stretch the floor gave Tunisia constant headaches. Carlik Jones orchestrated the offense with poise, recording 14 points and 9 assists while controlling the pace in the fourth quarter.

For Tunisia, Michael Roll led the scoring effort with 17 points, using clever off-ball movement to find open looks. Center Salah Mejri (or a suitable veteran presence) added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, but the home team struggled to generate consistent offense against South Sudan’s aggressive switching defense.

What It Means for the Qualifiers

This result shakes up the African Qualifiers standings. South Sudan, a team that has made major strides in international basketball since their FIBA World Cup debut, now holds a crucial head-to-head advantage over one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses. For Tunisia, the loss means they cannot afford any slip-ups in the remaining windows if they want to secure an early ticket to the World Cup.

The victory also reinforces South Sudan’s identity as a team that thrives in hostile environments. With a blend of NBA and Europe-based talent, they are no longer just a feel-good story — they are a genuine contender for one of Africa’s qualifying spots.