South Sudan stuns Uganda to reach historic Afrobasket semifinals
South Sudan’s women’s basketball team, the Bright Starlets, advanced to the Women’s Afrobasket semifinals in their debut appearance after edging Uganda’s Gazelles 69-68 in a thrilling matchup on Thursday.
The game came down to free throws in the final minute, where South Sudan’s Rose Akon sank two clutch shots to seize the lead. Meanwhile, Uganda’s Melissa Akullu missed critical attempts that could have forced overtime or secured victory.
Uganda struggled offensively early on, with star shooter Paige Robinson cold from outside and forward Hope Akello sidelined by foul trouble. South Sudan capitalized ruthlessly, unleashing a 26-1 run to take a six-point halftime lead.
The Gazelles erased the deficit early in the second half, briefly claiming a 60-59 lead late in the third quarter after baskets from Peruth Nyamwenge and Jane Asinde.
However, South Sudan’s relentless pressure paid off, with Maria Gakdeng (12 points, 13 rebounds) and Delicia Washington (17 points) challenging Uganda’s defense.
Washington drove coast-to-coast three times to maintain momentum, before Akon (12 points) sealed Uganda’s fate from the line.
