Watch: Bright Stars Dismantle Libya 95-57 in Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers

(DOUALA, CAMEROON) – South Sudan powered into the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers with a crushing 95-57 victory over Libya in Group A on Thursday.

The Bright Stars dominated from the opening tip, racing to a 22-7 first quarter lead before extending their advantage to 42-18 at halftime. They maintained their intensity throughout the second half, outscoring Libya in every quarter to complete a 38 point victory.

Aher Uguak led the charge with a team high 15 points. Kur Kuath, JT Thor and Lol Wur all finished in double figures in another complete team display. The bench exploded for 42 points.

South Sudan once again showed their rebounding strength, crushing Libya 53-34 on the glass. It extends an incredible streak of 12 World Cup qualifying games in which the Bright Stars have out rebounded their opponents. For the fourth consecutive qualifier, Africa’s highest ranked team finished with at least nine more rebounds than their rivals.

Despite fielding a squad with only four players from the first qualifying window, South Sudan looked every bit the well drilled side fans have come to expect. Their chemistry, ball movement and defensive intensity reflected the cohesion that has defined their campaign. The campaign has featured memorable victories over Libya and Cape Verde, with only Cameroon managing to halt their momentum in a 60-56 loss in November 2025.

Head coach Royal Ivey, back on the South Sudan bench for the first time since the Paris 2024 Olympics, praised his team’s unity after sealing qualification.

“We have got great chemistry as a team. Our energy is great and we play connected,” Ivey said.

The coach remained focused on the bigger picture despite securing a place in the next round.

“I did not even know we qualified for the second round, but to me, it is one game at a time. The business is not done, and we have got two more games, so we will focus on the next opponents,” he said.

With their second round ticket already booked, the Bright Stars are far from finished. They will look to maintain their unbeaten run when they face Cape Verde on 4 July before wrapping up the qualifying window with a showdown against hosts Cameroon on 5 July at the Japoma Indoor Arena in Douala.

The convincing win strengthens South Sudan’s qualification campaign and reinforces the team’s growing standing as one of Africa’s leading basketball nations.