South Sudan Historic Debut Win at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

South Sudan celebrated after beating China for their first ever global victory at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

HISTORY 🎉

South Sudan get their first World Cup victory with a dominant win over China 😤#FIBAWC x #WinForSouthSudan

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2023

Basketball’s youngest nation defeated 10-time World Cup participants China 89-69 in their debut World Cup on 28 August 2023 in Manilla, Philippines.

South Sudan built a 39-28 lead in the second quarter and watched China get close again. South Sudan finished the third quarter strong with a 10-4 surge to lead 63-53 after 30 minutes. China were not able to close within eight points in the final period and South Sudan finished the deal as opposed to losing a late one to Puerto Rico.

🇸🇸 HISTORY! #WinForSouthSudan pic.twitter.com/UeqPz9GN4Y

— South Sudan Basketball (@SSBFed) August 28, 2023

South Sudan’s Bright Stars bounced back from a disappointing opening loss to Puerto Rico for a 1-1 mark in Group B.

South Sudan had five players score in double figures and was topped by Carlik Jones with 21 points while also picking up 5 assists, 2 rebounds and 1 steal. Khaman Maluach, 16, is the youngest player to play at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and 3rd youngest in FIBA World Cup history, dating back to 1950.

South Sudan became an official country on July 9, 2011 when it gained independence. FIBA welcomed the Bright Stars into the basketball family in December 2013. The basketball federation paid tribute to the country’s first NBA player Manute Bol by incorporating his likeness in the official logo.

Despite being new and having already made history, South Sudan is not done yet. The team, who’ve reached the Quarter-Finals of their first FIBA AfroBasket in 2021, have one final game in the First Round against Serbia.

Many took to social media to celebrate South Sudan’s historic win.

Millions of congratulations to the South Sudan basketball team for their impressive performance in the FIBA World Cup! This is such great news that the people of Sudan & South Sudan deserve, away from the wars and misery! We wish them all the best on Wednesday! pic.twitter.com/fphW3tvIUn

— Yassir Arman (@Yassir_Arman) August 28, 2023

As we celebrate sport and the Basketball team in South Sudan. This is a sector that lacks any policy or law, the most underfunded sector. They always survive under the mercy of the President and other well-wishers.

It is about time, government repay our sportsmen and Women by…

— Wani Michael 🇸🇸 (@WaniMichael57) August 28, 2023

Congratulations South Sudan Basketball team 🏀 what a result,🙌👏

— ود المدني (@HatimElmadani) August 28, 2023

History will record that the national basketball team restored hope, joy and confidence to the people of South Sudan in the most difficult moments of their lives.
What a great win, big congratulations Boys, you make us proud, let's keep fighting with the same spirit 🇸🇸🏀❤️#SSOT pic.twitter.com/n7c8y6uzSg

— Malual Deng | ملوال دينق (@MalualDeng14) August 28, 2023

Debutants South Sudan 🇸🇸 see off China 🇨🇳 89-69 to register their first ever victory at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila.

The Bright Stars were unfortunate to lose to Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 101-96 after overtime in their highly contested opener. They face Serbia 🇷🇸 on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/wBtTKQHEf2

— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) August 28, 2023

🚨🏀 A landmark moment for African basketball in the #FIBAWC! 🌍✨
Angola 🇦🇴, Cape Verde 🇨🇻, South Sudan 🇸🇸 and Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮 secured their first @FIBAWC 2023 wins. ✅✅✅✅
Powerfully led by talents of the BAL, their triumphs resonate across continents. pic.twitter.com/A0F15FBVuP

— Basketball Africa League (@theBAL) August 28, 2023

Source: FIBA