Gakdeng Breaks 10 Year Record at AfroBasket

ABIDJAN) – Maria Teresa Gakdeng delivered a standout performance on 30 July 2025 to lead South Sudan’s women’s basketball team to a historic 75–65 win over Egypt in the Round of 16 at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. The 22 year old centre collected 24 rebounds and scored 19 points, helping the Bright Starlets reach the quarterfinals in their tournament debut.

Playing professionally in Hungary and previously with the University of North Carolina, Gakdeng entered the game after modest performances in earlier matches, where she scored 8 points against both Mali and Cameroon. But against Egypt, she stepped up in spectacular fashion.

In the first half, Gakdeng had 8 points and 11 rebounds in just over 18 minutes of play, even as South Sudan fell behind by as many as 19 points. However, she came alive in the second half, helping to engineer a comeback that saw her dominate the boards and energise her team’s defensive response.

By full time, Gakdeng had recorded 24 rebounds, the highest single game rebound total in Women’s AfroBasket over the last decade. Her record broke the previous mark of 23 set by Gabon’s Geraldine Robert in 2015 against South Africa. It also surpassed recent performances from Cristina Matiquite of Angola (19 in 2023) and Naignouma Coulibaly of Mali (17 in 2017).

The Egyptian side, frustrated by the dominance, admitted the challenge.

“It is unacceptable for one South Sudan player to have twelve offensive rebounds. This is not okay,” said Egypt forward Hala Elshaarawy.

South Sudan’s turnaround was sparked by a third quarter rally where Gakdeng and teammate Rose Macuei each scored six points, reducing the deficit from 14 to just two. The 24–12 quarter was the turning point, and Gakdeng’s continued rebounding and presence under the basket helped complete the comeback in the final quarter.

After the game, Gakdeng credited the team’s mentality.

“We lost our first two games by a few points, but we always knew we were capable of winning. No one expected this win, which is why it means so much to us. Another win is what comes next for South Sudan,” she said.

Gakdeng’s leadership on and off the court marks a significant moment for South Sudanese women’s basketball. This was her debut tournament, and her performance has already placed her among the standout players of AfroBasket 2025.

Player Highlight: Maria Teresa Gakdeng vs Egypt (30 July 2025)