DOUALA (Cameroon) -South Sudan are heading to the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in style.
The Bright Stars delivered a statement performance, dismantling Libya 95-57 in their Group A second round to secure qualification with authority.
Leading the charge was Aher Uguak with a team-high 15 points, while Kur Kuath, JT Thor, and Lol Wur all finished in double figures in another complete team display.
The business is not done, and we've got two more games, so we'll focus on the next opponent - Royal Ivey
If there was any doubt about South Sudan's identity and their rebounding prowess, they erased it once again in the paint.
The Bright Stars dominated the glass, crushing Libya 53-34 in rebounds to extend an incredible streak of 12 World Cup qualifying games in which they 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, while the bench exploded for an impressive 42 points.
Despite fielding a squad with only four players from the first qualifying window, South Sudan looked every bit the well-oiled machine fans have come to expect.
Their chemistry, ball movement, and defensive intensity reflected the cohesion that has defined their campaign, one that 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've got great chemistry as a team. Our energy is great and we play connected."
Ivey remained focused on the bigger picture despite securing a place in the next round.
I didn't 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've got two more games, so we'll focus on the next opponents."
With their second-round ticket already booked, the Bright Stars are far from finished.
They'll look to maintain their unbeaten run when they face Cape Verde on July 4 before wrapping up the qualifying window with a blockbuster showdown against hosts Cameroon on July 5 at the Japoma Indoor Arena in Douala.
South Sudan have qualified but everyone within the team is unanimous, their mission is far from over. The Bright Stars are chasing more than victories, they're building a legacy and by all means want to reinforce their reputation as Africa’s best & most exciting team since August 2024.
FIBA