The South Sudan national basketball team delivered a commanding performance on July 4, 2026, defeating Cape Verde 83–63 in a FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers showdown. The victory reinforced South Sudan’s growing reputation as a rising force in African basketball, as they controlled the game from start to finish in front of an energetic home crowd.

Match Overview

South Sudan came into the qualifier with momentum, having steadily improved their international standing in recent years. Cape Verde, known for their disciplined defense and experienced roster, aimed to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm. However, from the opening tip, South Sudan imposed its will, building a double-digit lead by halftime and never allowing the visitors to mount a serious comeback. The final 83–63 scoreline reflected a dominant all-around performance.

Key Moments

• First quarter surge: South Sudan opened with a 22–12 run, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and aggressive rebounding.
• Second-half lockdown: Cape Verde trimmed the deficit to single digits early in the third quarter, but South Sudan responded with a 15–4 spurt that effectively ended the contest.
• Free-throw clinic: The home team converted 20 of 24 attempts from the line, maintaining composure in pressure situations.

Tactical Story

South Sudan’s game plan revolved around exploiting Cape Verde’s perimeter defense with quick ball movement and high pick-and-rolls. The big men anchored the paint, limiting Cape Verde’s interior scoring to just 28 points. On the other end, South Sudan’s guards found consistent driving lanes, drawing fouls and creating open looks for shooters. Cape Verde struggled with turnovers, committing 17 that led to 22 South Sudanese points.

Standout Players

• South Sudan – Kuol Deng: The forward recorded 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, dominating in transition and on the glass.
• South Sudan – Majok Makoi: Added 18 points and 6 assists, controlling the tempo and hitting key three-pointers.
• Cape Verde – Ivan Almeida: Top-scored for the visitors with 19 points, but received limited support from his teammates.

Qualifying Implications

This win moved South Sudan into a strong position within the African Qualifiers group standings, strengthening their bid for a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Cape Verde, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.