Despite a shocking start with 23 first-half turnovers, South Sudan found their footing and stormed past Kenya 86-69 in the Zone 5 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers. Washington led the charge with a stellar 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Rose Macuei dominated the boards with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Last Updated on
February 5, 2025
In a game filled with momentum swings, turnovers, and resilience, South Sudan stunned Kenya with an emphatic 86-69 victory in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers. Despite a shaky start marked by 23 first-half turnovers, South Sudan found their rhythm, building confidence as the game unfolded. And at the heart of their resurgence was none other than Delicia Washington, who delivered a breathtaking 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists to lead her team to victory.
Kenya had every opportunity to dominate early, using South Sudan’s ball-handling struggles to take control. However, they failed to fully capitalize, allowing their opponents to ease into the game. South Sudan, once settled, began to move the ball fluidly, creating scoring opportunities and attacking Kenya’s defense with relentless energy.
Alongside Washington, Rose Macuei proved to be pivotal on the boards, posting a commanding 11 points and 11 rebounds. With two other South Sudanese players in double figures, the team’s depth shone through, proving too much for Kenya to handle.
Kenya, determined not to go down without a fight, had five players in double digits. Victoria Reynolds, Nathalie Mwangale, and Mercy Wanyama spearheaded the response, trying to claw their way back into the game. But the Kenyans inability to remain focus and maintain possession became their achilles heel. 34 turnovers proved costly with South Sudan feasting on these mistakes, scoring 33 points off Kenyan turnovers, a stat that ultimately defined the game.
By the final buzzer, South Sudan had not only secured a statement win but had also handed Kenya their second defeat in the qualifiers. The victory showcased their growing strength in African women’s basketball confirming their ambition to become continental heavyweights.
With this win, South Sudan takes a step closer to their AfroBasket dreams, while Kenya must regroup quickly if they hope to stay in contention.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
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