Libya vs South Sudan

The first five minutes decided it. South Sudan opened with an 8-0 run built entirely on transition buckets off Libyan turnovers. Libya never recovered. The Bright Stars' early defensive intensity — forcing rushed passes and contesting every entry pass — created a psychological edge that lasted the full 40 minutes. Once South Sudan's lead hit double figures midway through the first quarter, Libya never got it back inside single digits.

Both Gach (South Sudan) was the game's standout performer. The guard finished with a team-high in points, rebounds and assists, recording 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game across the qualifying window. His 19.7 efficiency rating leads the South Sudan roster in the qualifiers. In this match, he was the engine of the fast break and scored efficiently from all three levels.

Kur Kuath (South Sudan) dominated the interior, averaging 9.3 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game through the first window. His rim protection erased any Libyan hopes of attacking the basket, forcing them into difficult perimeter shots.

Deng Adel (South Sudan) contributed 14.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the qualifiers, providing a reliable second scoring option and a strong presence on both ends.

Player of the Match: Both Gach — the most complete performance on the floor, affecting the game in scoring, playmaking and defence.

South Sudan's season averages in the qualifiers — 81.3 points, 50.0 rebounds and 22.0 assists per game — tell the story of a team that overwhelms opponents through physical superiority and team basketball. Their 52.1% two-point field-goal percentage reflects consistent rim pressure, while their 80% free-throw shooting gives them a closing-floor advantage.

Libya, by contrast, average just 66.7 points and 38.3 rebounds per game. Their 39.9% two-point shooting and 28.3% three-point shooting illustrate the offensive struggles that have left them winless in three Group A fixtures.

The 38-point margin was no fluke: South Sudan's transition game created high-percentage looks throughout, while Libya's half-court offence produced contested jumpers and frequent empty possessions. The final score accurately reflected the gap in pace, power and execution.

The Group A standings after Thursday's games are finely balanced:

1. South Sudan — 2-1 (5 pts)
2. Cameroon — 2-1 (5 pts)
3. Cape Verde — 2-1 (5 pts)
4. Libya — 0-3 (3 pts)

With three teams tied on points at the top, every remaining fixture is critical. Libya are eliminated from contention for the second round. South Sudan next face a decisive clash against one of their direct group rivals, with their qualification hopes very much alive.

Libya's next fixture is against Cameroon in the continued first-round window. South Sudan take on Cape Verde next in what amounts to a knockout tie — the winner takes a significant step toward the second round of African Qualifiers.

South Sudan showed exactly why they are Africa's fastest-rising basketball nation. Their athleticism, transition execution and defensive length were simply too much for a Libya side that has now lost all three group games by double digits. For the Bright Stars, consistency will be the test: can they replicate this intensity against Cape Verde and Cameroon? If they do, second-round qualification looks well within reach.