South Sudan’s Bright Starlets etched their names in African basketball history on Sunday after defeating Senegal 66-65 to secure the bronze medal at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament.
The thrilling Third-Place Game, played on August 3, saw the debutants put on a gritty and fearless performance to overcome a seasoned Senegalese side.
It marks South Sudan’s first-ever medal in a major continental basketball competition, a massive milestone for the country’s women’s sports.
Trailing for most of the game, the Bright Starlets held their nerve in the final quarter.
With under a minute left and the scores neck and neck, the team’s composure, defensive grit, and precise execution sealed a dramatic one-point win, sending fans into celebration.
But the team’s achievements didn’t stop at the podium. Bright Starlets’ individual brilliance was also recognized, with standout players scooping top tournament honors. Maria Gakdeng was crowned Best Rebounder of the Tournament, dominating the boards with unmatched tenacity, while Washington Delicia emerged as the Top Scorer, leading the entire championship in points.
This stunning victory not only ends South Sudan’s debut AfroBasket campaign on a high note but also signals the rise of a new force in African women’s basketball.
