Cote D’Ivoire

A dissection of World Cup African Qualifiers Group B

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GROUP B of the Basketball World Cup Africa Qualifiers will tip off in Dakar, Senegal, with the host nation welcoming Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo and Madagascar (February 26 – March 1) at the Stade Marius Ndiaye. The Big Tip Off’s Sindiswa Mabunda previews the group and the chances of the competing teams. 

Senegal

Senegal remains one of Africa’s most storied basketball nations, a perennial favourite whenever continental competition begins. At the recent AfroBasket, the Lions of Teranga displayed moments of dominance fuelled by one of the strongest backcourts in Africa, led by Brancou Badio and Jean Jacques Boissy, but inconsistency crept in at crucial stages.

The third-place finish was respectable, but Senegal’s ambitions extend far beyond the podium. Having last appeared at the FIBA World Cup in 2019 and missing out on 2023, this qualifying campaign carries a sense of urgency.

Head coach Ngagne De Sagana Diop has instilled defensive discipline and fast-paced transition play. Nonetheless, the team’s success will depend on depth and execution. If Senegal can rediscover the rhythm that once made them Africa’s most feared team, they’ll be the side to beat in Group B.

Jordan Sakho DRC 2027 World Cup Qualifiers
Jordan Sakho is a threat in the paint for the DR Congo. Pictures: FIBA Africa

DR Congo

For the Leopards of DR Congo, the challenge is no longer talent; it’s cohesion. On paper, they have the athleticism and individual skill to match any team on the continent. Their AfroBasket campaign, however, revealed lapses in concentration that often swung close games away from them.

Jordan Sakho stood out with his interior presence, but the supporting cast struggled to maintain offensive flow. The Leopards’ last World Cup Qualifier run ended in disappointment, but recent investments in local development and diaspora integration signal a program on the rise.

If DR Congo can synchronise their defensive effort with better shot selection and composure under pressure, they could easily play the role of disruptors in this group, and possibly emerge as dark horses for qualification.

Mathias M'madi 2027 World Cup Qualifiers Madagascar
Mathias M’madi will push the pace for Madagascar in Senegal.

Madagascar

Madagascar continues to write its basketball story one learning curve at a time. Their AfroBasket performance showed flashes of energy and commitment, even against far more experienced opponents. The island nation may have failed to progress beyond the group stage, but they gained valuable experience that could serve them well in this qualifying cycle.

The team lacks size and depth, but compensates with speed, ball movement, and chemistry. For Madagascar, the 2027 World Cup qualifiers offer more than just results; they provide a platform for development and growth. Each game is an opportunity to test their resilience and close the gap with Africa’s elite. If they can sharpen their perimeter shooting and maintain defensive focus, they could make life difficult for more established teams in the group.

Assemian Moulare 2025 AfroBasket Cote d'Ivoire
Assemian Moulare is expected to be a standout player for Cote d’Ivoire at the World Cup qualifiers.

Côte d’Ivoire

If there’s one team in Group B that knows how to navigate qualifying campaigns, it’s Côte d’Ivoire. The Elephants have become a model of consistency in African basketball: disciplined, composed, and relentlessly competitive. Their balanced mix of veterans and rising stars continues to set the tone for others to follow.

At AfroBasket, Côte d’Ivoire’s defensive intensity and well-drilled structure once again stood out. On the global stage, their 2023 World Cup appearance reaffirmed their growth and adaptability. Players like Nisre Zouzoua, Matt Costello, Solo Diabate, and Assemian Moulare embody the nation’s identity, the collective over an individual, patient yet explosive when required.

Even if some of their key figures are unavailable due to club commitments, Côte d’Ivoire’s tactical organisation ensures that the system, not the star, remains their strongest asset. Expect them to be one of the most difficult teams to break down in this group.

Outlook

Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire enter as clear frontrunners, backed by pedigree and proven systems, but the DR Congo’s raw potential lends unpredictability to this group. Madagascar, meanwhile, approach each fixture as both a challenge and an opportunity to grow. In a short qualifying window where chemistry and execution often outweigh star power, expect fine margins to decide outcomes. Côte d’Ivoire’s structure, Senegal’s firepower, and DR Congo’s physicality set the tone for a tightly contested group.

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Ambitious Edi gearing HyperSonics for a championship run

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CôTE d’Ivoire legend Guy Landri Edi has taken a new step in his basketball career. He has assumed the reins as general manager of the local team, HyperSonics. This, after having had a productive playing career for the US College Gonzaga Bulldogs, the Elephants (national team) and various clubs abroad. It’s a job he looks forward to and has prepared for, and while he has hit the ground running in his front office role, he made a surprise admission.

“It’s an honour… It is what I always wanted to do. I went to college and studied sports management. Ideally, this was the next move after my career,” said Edi, a 2021 AfroBasket silver medallist. “Even if I did not officially announce my retirement… I have been planning for the next phase of my career.”

Edi acknowledges he has not played competitive basketball in a while, and as he fulfils his boardroom duties, he teased that he might play when the Ligue d’Or at a later stage.

“The fire of playing still exists inside of me, I am not going to lie. Every time I watch the game, I feel like, ‘arghh, I could be in there, I can still do this,” said Edi “Physically, I can still play at a high level, but preparing for after my career is also important. I always say to myself, ‘Why play another two years?’ ‘To prove what?’. I have done a lot in my career and played in major tournaments.”

Stating that he feels he has gas in the tank, will Landry suit up the HyperSonics jersey during the season?

“Aah, stay tuned, maybe!” exclaimed Landry. “I usually train with the guys to show them what it’s like to be a high-IQ player. Not just being physical, but you have to understand the game. I can see the gap. Although I haven’t played in two years, I can still do a lot more.

“The president has said they could keep me as a wild card for the championship playoffs, and if possible, the BAL.”

Guy Landry Edi
Guy Landry Edi, in the colours of Côte d’Ivoire, has hit the ground running as general manager of HyperSonics. Pictures: Supplied and FIBA Africa

While he mulls over his playing career, and as the GM of HyperSonics, Edi has a competitive pedigree. Having played in two FIBA World Cups and three AfroBasket tournaments, and twice in the FIBA Europe Cup, Edi knows what it takes to play at a high level and could have the right stuff to make HyperSonics a major force in Côte d’Ivoire. He says the right structures are in place at the club and that there is alignment between himself and the club’s president.

“We have high expectations. Our president has a vision. We started talking around April, and he was speaking about his vision, and he wanted me to come back and work with him,” said Edi. “We realised we have the same vision. The things he put in place in such a short amount of time, creating Hypersonics and also to have a second team in the first league, ABI Snipers proved this.

“And then you have a whole youth programme and women’s team. Then there are teams in the second and third divisions. So, everything is set up. If I were to do something like this, it would have taken me 10 years.”

Edi continued: “He had the whole thing set up, and he just needed me to come with my knowledge in basketball and help him restructure all these things and build a team that can compete in the league.”

Landry did not want to divulge the full plan, but he made one thing clear: he wants to turn HyperSonics into a championship team.

“We really want to put Ivory Coast basketball on the top level and are really trying to be champions this year… That is the expectation this year. When I talked to the guys, I told them, ‘last year you were almost last, so we have to take the tag of losing out because I am not a loser, and you guys don’t want to walk around with this tag too.’ So, from day one of practices, we set the bar high,” said Landry.

While he laid out the club’s ambitious plan for the season, there will be competition in the form of defending champions JCA, ABC Fighters, SOA and ASA.

Guy Landry Edi Cote d'Ivoire 2026
Guy Landry Edi has built up a respectable playing resumé over the years.

Edi shared his view on the size of the challenge he and Hypersonics are facing. “It’s big. JCA are the champion. They have the crown right now. I wish them well for the (Road to) BAL. It benefits our country when we have a team that can get into the BAL. When we had the Road to BAL here (Côte d’Ivoire), I went there to support the team… The (JCA) head coach, Stéphane Konaté, is a friend of mine. We played together for many years in the national team,” said Edi.

“We played against (JCA) them a week before the Road to BAL, and they smacked us… It’s the message I wanted to send to the team. I knew our players were not ready to play against them, and I wanted them to know where we stood as a team and the level we needed to be to compete against that type of team.

“It was a wake-up call for the players. They are now coachable. You could see in our practices things are much better and the guys are realising we are not there yet. So it was one of the strategies I used to play against them (JCA) for the players to be receptive.”

Post the interview, Edi’s project to rebuild the HyperSonics is on track. They hold a 6-3 record in Ligue d’Or after winning two games in a row since the beginning of the year. This has placed them in the top four. If they maintain their momentum, Edi and the HyperSonics could shake things up in the Ivorian domestic league.

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Elephants, Leopards, Sharks and Rwanda shape Group A

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THE AfroBasket is making a return to Angola after 19 years, and the giants of the game will converge on the cities of Luanda and Moçâmedes in the Southern province of Namibe in the quest to be crowned basketball kings of Africa. Ahead of the tournament, The Big Tip Off is providing a preview of all the groups, key players, statistics and predictions on which teams will emerge.

Group A overview

GROUP A at AfroBasket 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive groups in Angola. Côte d’Ivoire arrives as a continental giant, unbeaten in qualifiers and rich in basketball legacy. DR Congo has been turning heads, notably with a surprise win against Africa’s top-ranked South Sudan in qualifiers.

Cape Verde may be small, but it brings a fearless, physical style and enjoys strong support in Angola due to cultural ties. Underdogs, Rwanda has invested heavily in their basketball program and is eager to turn that into on-court success. With just two spots to advance, every game in this group promises fierce competition and high stakes.

Côte d’Ivoire – The Contenders With Pedigree

Côte d’Ivoire ranks second in Africa and 31st worldwide, boasting two AfroBasket titles (1981, 1985) and six finals appearances, including a silver medal in 2021. Their qualifier run was flawless (6-0), showcasing an elite offence which scored 89.5 points per game, second-best overall. They also excelled on the boards (43.7 rebounds per game) and led all teams in assists with 22.7 per contest, demonstrating excellent ball movement and team play.

Spanish coach Miguel Ramos combines tactical discipline with the wisdom of Ivorian legend Stephane Konatè. The Ivorians will rely on the veteran leadership of 38-year-old floor general Solo Diabaté and dynamic players like versatile big man Matt Costello (15.7 points and eight rebounds per game) and sharpshooter Nisre Zouzoua. Despite moderate three-point shooting (35.6%) and a turnover rate of 16.8 per game, Côte d’Ivoire’s overall efficiency rating of 110.5 per game ranks them among the qualifiers’ best. They enter the tournament as clear favourites to top the group and contend for medals.

Democratic Republic of Congo – The Rising Leopards

The Democratic Republic of Congo, ranked 10th in Africa, impressed with a 5-1 qualifying record highlighted by a major upset of South Sudan. Their game is built on a strong inside presence and physical defence, anchored by 2.13m centre Jordan Sakho, who shot 51.9% from the field and averaged nine rebounds per game. Scorer Claude Christian Lutete IV (15.2 points per game) and athletic forward Rolly Fula Nganga complement the team’s toughness.

DRC AfroBasket
Christian Lutete’s scoring feats led the DRC to qualification for the AfroBasket. Pictures: FIBA Africa

French coach Michel Perrin’s emphasis on physical defence and fast-break basketball has shaped a squad that averages 20 fouls per game, tied for the fourth highest in qualifiers, which could be a double-edged sword. Shooting efficiency remains a challenge, with a team field goal percentage of 38.8% and free throw accuracy being 66.7%.

The recent addition of BAL star John Jordan, who brings versatile scoring and playmaking, adds significant firepower. DR Congo is a serious contender to clinch second place and potentially break new ground by reaching the podium.

Cape Verde – The Blue Sharks Who Bite Big

Cape Verde has emerged as a respected force after a fourth-place finish at AfroBasket 2021 and their first FIBA World Cup appearance. Their qualifying record was a balanced 3-3, reflecting steady but not spectacular results. Coached by Emanuel Trovoada, the team’s strength lies in physical defence. The imposing presence of Real Madrid centre Edy Tavares, who protects the rim and anchors the defence.

Ivan Almeida remains the key scorer and clutch performer, while other contributors like Anderson Correia and Shane Da Rosa provide balance. The team averages 71.7 points per game with a solid shooting percentage (53.8% FG by key players), but must improve their low free throw percentage (63.1%) and inconsistent three-point shooting (33.3%).

With a large Cape Verdean community in Angola, the Blue Sharks will enjoy strong support.  They have the potential to upset higher-ranked teams; however, they stay out of foul trouble and sharpen their offence.

Rwanda – The Hungry Challengers

Rwanda, ranked 15th in Africa, qualified as the best third-place team in their group with a 2-4 record. While Rwanda struggled, scoring only 74.2 points per game on 36.8% shooting, their defence was a bright spot, ranking second in steals per game at 11.7. Senegalese coach Cheikh Sarr, bringing World Cup experience, emphasises tenacity and defensive pressure.

Key players include versatile guard Ntore Habimana (6.7 assists per game) and 2.11m big man Osborn Shema, who averages 2.2 steals and blocks per game. Despite concerns about turnovers (18.8 per game) and offensive inconsistency, Rwanda’s defensive grit could help them steal a win or two, as they try to advance beyond the group stage for the first time.

Osborn AfroBasket
Osborn Shema’s height will add depth for Rwanda in the paint.

Key Fixtures to Watch

Côte d’Ivoire vs DR Congo: Likely to decide the top spot with two continental powerhouses facing off.

Cape Verde vs Côte d’Ivoire: Blue Sharks will look to exploit their physical style and disrupt the favourites.

DR Congo vs Rwanda: A must-win for Rwanda to keep hopes alive, which will prove to be a test for DR Congo to avoid complacency.

Predictions

Côte d’Ivoire, with a perfect qualifying run, balanced scoring, and experienced leadership, is the favourite to top Group A. They are also seen as contenders for a podium spot. DR Congo’s athleticism, inside dominance, and new star additions make them the main challengers for the second knockout spot, provided they improve shooting efficiency and manage fouls. Cape Verde’s physicality and rim protection can make them dangerous spoilers. Rwanda’s defensive tenacity and emerging talent give them a chance to upset expectations, but consistency and experience remain challenges for advancing.

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Zouzoua says the excitement for the BAL is bubbling in Rabat

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THE days are ticking towards one of Africa’s premier sporting spectacles, Season 5 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). It is also a time when teams move swiftly to secure top-tier talent that can give them the best opportunity to win.

Moroccan club FUS Rabat is one of the teams that have shored up their roster with the signings of the Cote d’Ivoire duo of Nisre Zouzoua and Mike Fofana.

Speaking to The Big Tip Off, Ivorien star Zouzoua says he is finding his feet in his new surroundings of Rabat, the newly minted host city of the Kalahari Conference (5-13 April).

FUS Rabat new signing Nisre Zouzoua
Nisre Zouzoua has adapted to life on the court with FUS Rabat. Pictures: FUS Rabat and FIBA

The experienced Zouzoua also noted that the reception to the first leg of the BAL is lukewarm as Morocco, a predominantly Muslim country, observes the holy month of Ramadan (28 February – 30 March).

“I am thoroughly enjoying my time in Rabat. It’s a beautiful city, and the people are friendly. It has not been too difficult of a transition, so I am thankful and happy to be here,” said the 28-year-old.

The former ABC Fighters player is positive the people from the Atlas nation will get into the BAL vibe. “It’s currently Ramadan, so people here are focusing on the spiritual aspect and prayer… But listening to talk on the ground, people are excited, and we are excited that the BAL is coming to Morocco,” said Zouzoua. “It’s going to be a great experience. It will be a great way for the people of Rabat and Morocco to show what their city and country is about. It’s going to be an exciting time!”

While the excitement still bubbles under in Morocco and especially Rabat, Zouzoua is confident that FUS has the making of a championship team and nothing less than the BAL trophy will do.

“We are playing to win. We are playing for a championship. If you are not playing for that, what’s the point of being on the court?” asked Zouzoua. “We are trying to make it as far as we can. That is our goal and it is my personal goal too. I try to win every time I step on the court.”

 

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Zouzoua, who signed with FUS for the remainder of the season with 19-time Division Excellence Champions, hit the ground running and stepped up with a 26 points, six rebounds, and three assists performance in a 97-81 victory over IRT Tanger in a league match last Thursday.

While acclimating to his new life in Morocco ahead of the Kalahari Conference, Zouzoua has felt at home on the basketball court and has liked what he has seen of his new club and teammates so far.

“I have played in two games, and we won both. They were great team wins. Everybody plays together and we have fun out there. It’s not been long, but my time here has been great,” said Zouzoua.

Playing alongside Ivorian national team member Fofana at FUS is a big plus, says Zouzoua. The shooting guard feels arriving at the same time as Fofana, a former AS Douanes player, has helped with shared camaraderie.

“It’s definitely helped with our transition to Morocco. Mike is a great player. He is a great guy. He works hard. We hold each other accountable and push each other in practice,” said Zouzoua. “He is somebody I can trust. We have spent time with each other and are familiar with one another’s games.”

Nisre Zouzoua latest signing for FUS Rabat
Nisre Zouzoua feels Cote d’Ivoire can make a run the AfroBasket title this year.

Wearing their Ivorien jerseys, Zouzoua and Fofana could link up again later in the year with the national team. The rampant Elephants finished unbeaten during the AfroBasket qualifiers that ended last month and will compete in their 24th tournament. After losing to Tunisia in the 2021 AfroBasket final, Zouzoua feels this year’s tournament, in Angola (12-24 August), can be theirs for the taking.

“I have full faith we can go all the way. We have the team for it (AfroBasket) and coaches to get the job done,” said ZouZoua. “We have been there before and I feel we have a lot to prove. I feel if we can prepare well mentally and physically we can make strong push for the championship,” concluded Zouzoua.

Being in a potential winning situation for club and country is a dream for any player. That is where Zouzoua finds himself. Given his ambition, he will be keen to make the most of his opportunities with FUS and Cote d’Ivoire.

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Can Côte D’Ivoire rise to the occasion in Olympic qualifiers?

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CÔTE d’Ivoire has established a strong tradition of basketball excellence on the continent over the past three decades.  They will begin their quest for a first-time appearance at the Olympic Games, by trying to qualify through the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Team Profile: The West African nation won two FIBA African Championships (AfroBasket) in 1981 and 1985 and earned four silver medals, with their most recent medal (again silver) coming at the 2021 edition. Les Éléphants have consistently demonstrated their determination and competitiveness, solidifying themselves as a formidable basketball nation.

Solo Diabate
Solo Diabate will look to crown his career by helping Cote d’Ivoire qualify for the Olympic Games. Pictures: FIBA

The team will participate in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament games in San Juan, Puero-Rico (2-7 July). They are in Group A alongside Mexico and Lithuania.

Star Players: Côte d’Ivoire will rely on veteran point guard and floor general, Souleymane Diabaté. Diabaté, who made three clutch free throws in Les Éléphants’ sole win over Iran at the 2023 World Cup, concluded the recent BAL season as runner-up with Al Ahly Benghazi, where he averaged 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Diabaté is a dependable scorer and facilitator who will also offer Les Éléphants perimeter defence in the upcoming games.

Since wearing the Orange vest of the Côte d’Ivoire Jean Phillipe Dally has been an important cog for the Les Elephants. Dally’s ability to score and crash boards have made him a constant feature for his country.

During the FIBA World Cup, averaged 10.8 points per game and 2.4 rebounds per game, and at the recent 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers, the shooting guard numbers jumped to 12 points per game and 5.3 assists per game.

Coach: Spanish coach Natxo Lezkano, who was with the team from 2011-2015 and returned in 2020, will be the head coach. Lezkano’s familiarity with the team will help identify areas for improvement as they analyze results from preparation games leading up to their first match in San Juan.

Jean Phillipe Dally
Jean Phillipe Dally has been a key contributor for the Elephants in major tournaments.

The team has undergone preparations for the OQT without recording a win but has significantly improved, reducing the scoring margin from their first loss against Belgium (88-63). In their second game against the Dominican Republic, they lost 69-67 despite Mo Bamba’s 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists. In their final encounter against Portugal, they lost 91-84.

Les Éléphants have proved themselves as a strong outfit in continental play but have yet to find their footing on the international stage. The team struggled to find their offensive footing during the World Cup, but can they come together in Puerto Rico to make Paris 2024 a reality?

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Can African teams rise on the global stage?

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JAPAN, Indonesia and the Philippines are the centres of basketball worldwide. All three nations have partnered to co-host the game’s biggest showpiece, the FIBA World Cup (25 August – 10 September).

The Big Tip Off previews the prospects of African teams, Angola, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt and South Sudan at the tournament. 

Angola

Angola are the most successful team at the continental level, with 11 AfroBasket titles and are appearing at their ninth World Cup. A country that has produced the golden generation of Joaquim Gomes, Eduardo Mingas, Olimpio Cipriano, and Carlos Morais. Now the baton has been passed on.

A new era of players has come through the ranks and have much to live up to. Players like Bruno Fernando, Gerson Lukeny, Childe Dundao and Dimitri Maconda have been the flag bearers for the Southern African nation.  

They will be in a tough Group A with the Dominican Republic led by Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl Anthony Towns. Host nation, the Philipines, who have NBA 2022 sixth man of the year Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz) and Italy, who have had success at the international level, complete the group. 

Angola will have memories of Italy and the Philippines, their group opponents from the 2019 World Cup. And they will hope to improve on their 1-2 record from that tournament. 

Gerson Goncalves in action for Angola
Gerson Goncalves has been instrumental in leading Angola’s new generation. Picture: The BTO

Their Achilles heel at big tournaments has always been their lack of height, which could impact their chances of progress at this World Cup.

This new generation of Angolan players will want prove they are ready take the mantle of the old guard. 

Cape Verde

Cape Verde, who surprised the world, are the smallest nation to compete at the FIBA World Cup, but they will no doubt try to make giant strides.

Despite being new to this level of competition, Cape Verde, 2021 AfroBasket semi-finalists, have experienced players in their ranks.

Players like Walter Tavares, Betinho Gomes, brother Joel and Ivan Almeida have international experience at the club level.

Walter Tavares warming up for Cape Verde
Walter Tavares was a key factor Cape Verde’s qualification for the FIBA World Cup. Picture: The BTO

Their (Cape Verde) Group F also has World Cup debutants Georgia and two countries who are no strangers to this stage in Slovakia and Venezuela. The Cape Verdeans will open against Georgian team with EuroBasket experience and will feel they have nothing to lose.   

It will not be an easy ride against their experienced opponents, but Cape Verde, could have the element of surprise on their side.

Cote d’Ivoire

After a forgettable 2019 tournament, where they failed to win a game, the Elephants are looking to exorcise the demons. 

The West Africans will lean on the experience of veterans Solo Diabate, a two-time Basketball Africa League winner, and Charles Abouo. The duo are making their third appearance at the World Cup.

Cote d’Ivoire, who are making their fifth appearance, have to fight tooth and nail to get out of Group G. Against world champions Spain, boasting the likes of Juancho and Wily Hernangomez, the Ivorians will give their all.

Charles Abouo in action for Cote D'Ivoire
Charles Abouo will play in his third FIBA World Cup for Cote D’Ivoire.

Iran is the next fixture, and the two-time African champions might feel they are at par against the Asian nation.

South American juggernaut Brazil will pack just as good a punch as Spain. 

Of all the African teams, Cote d’Ivoire are in the hardest group. They will need to dig within themselves to have a fighting chance.

Egypt

The Pharaohs are making a return to the tournament after a nine-year absence. They have not had much international success and will use this World Cup to try re-establish Egypt as a force in the game.

For this World Cup, five-time African champions Egypt have assembled one of the most talented teams. From the scoring ability of Ehab Amin to the shot-blocking and rebounding prowess of centre Anas Mahmoud, the North Africans have a balanced team. 

Anas Mahmoud will step up for Egypt at the FIBA World Cup
Big man Anas Mahmoud will provide shot blocking and rebounding for Egypt. Picture FIBA

Players like Omar Araby, Patrick Gardner, Amr El Gendy and Omar Hussein will give the Egyptians positional depth. 

Egypt are in Group D with Mexico, Montenegro and European giants Lithuania.

The Pharaohs have a tough opener against Lithuania. Against Montenegro and Mexico, they (Egypt) will fancy their chances to come out of the group.

South Sudan

The South Sudanese were the continent’s best team during the World Cup qualifiers with an 11-1 record. Their record on the road to Asia speaks to their leap since becoming internationally recognised by FIBA in 2013.

On their debut international tournament, the 2021 AfroBasket, The Bright Stars finished in the quarter-finals. Their well-earned trip to the World Cup is a testament to the quality of the team. 

In Basketball Africa League champion and MVP Nuni Omot, South Sudan have a two-way threat. His ability to defend and score is a plus for the World Cup debutants. 

 

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Kuany Kuany, Wenyen Gabriel, and Carlik Jones will give the South Sudanese more scoring and defensive options. 

South Sudan will be in an interesting Group B, alongside Serbia, China and Puerto Rico. 

South Sudan does have the talent at their disposal to face the best in the world. Their opening game against Puerto Rico and their close-out game versus Serbia will test their level of competitiveness. 

 

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