Bright Starlets Beat Uganda to Reach 2025 AfroBasket Semifinals

(ABIDJAN) – South Sudan’s national women’s basketball team has made history by reaching the semifinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Côte d’Ivoire, their first appearance in the continental tournament.

The Bright Starlets, as the team is known, defeated Uganda 69–68 in a dramatic quarterfinal on Thursday afternoon, continuing a remarkable run that has caught the attention of the African basketball scene.

The game against Uganda’s Gazelles was tightly contested and came down to the final seconds. With ten seconds left, Uganda’s Melissa Akullu missed two critical free throws that could have sent the match into overtime. South Sudan’s Rose Akon had earlier converted a pair of free throws to give her side the lead. Maria Gakdeng, who had a standout performance throughout the tournament, secured the final rebound to seal the win.

Uganda had started the game strongly, taking a 25–20 lead after the first quarter with a cautious and controlled approach. However, South Sudan responded in the second quarter with a powerful 26–1 run, taking advantage of Uganda’s shooting struggles and foul trouble. Nyamer Lual gave South Sudan their first lead with a three pointer from the corner, and by halftime, the Bright Starlets led by six points.

The third quarter saw Uganda claw their way back. Key players Peruth Nyamwenge and Jane Asinde helped turn the tide, giving Uganda a narrow 60–59 lead going into the final quarter. But South Sudan kept the pressure on. Gakdeng contributed 12 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks, while Delicia Washington added 17 points and multiple drives from end to end.

In addition to their quarterfinal success, South Sudan had already stunned fans on Wednesday by eliminating Egypt in the Round of 16 with a 75–65 comeback win. The team had trailed by as much as 19 points before turning the game around in the second half. Gakdeng was instrumental, scoring 19 points and grabbing 24 rebounds, breaking her previous collegiate career high, while helping shut down Egypt’s star forward Raneen Elgedawy.

South Sudan’s path to the knockout rounds was not easy. In pool play, they lost narrowly to both Cameroon (70–63) and Mali (55–53), but showed consistent improvement with each game. Their ability to rebound from early setbacks and deliver strong performances in elimination rounds has surprised many observers and ignited hope back home.

With this win, South Sudan will face the winner of the Mali versus Mozambique quarterfinal in Saturday’s semifinal. Regardless of the outcome, the Bright Starlets are now guaranteed to play in either the final or the third place match on Sunday.

The team’s remarkable achievement comes in their first ever appearance at the Women’s AfroBasket and highlights the rapid rise of South Sudan in international women’s basketball.

The tournament is taking place at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, and all matches are being streamed live by FIBA.

The South Sudan Basketball Federation has praised the players and technical staff for their effort, teamwork and discipline. Analysts across the region have hailed the team’s performance as a new chapter in the country’s sporting story and a major step forward for women’s sports in South Sudan.

South Sudan’s 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Journey