2025 AfroBasket: South Sudan Stuns 11-Time Champions Senegal To Clinch Historic Bronze

2025 AfroBasket: South Sudan Stuns 11-Time Champions Senegal To Clinch Historic Bronze 

By Niyi Busari 

South Sudan pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Women’s AfroBasket history on Sunday evening, edging 11-time champions Senegal 66-65 in a thrilling bronze medal showdown at the Palais des Sports in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a game marked by dramatic momentum swings and a tense final quarter, the South Sudanese women held their nerve to secure their first-ever podium finish in the tournament’s history.

Senegal appeared shaken from the start, losing the opening quarter 10-26. The West African giants, however, fought back impressively, taking the second quarter 18-9 and the third 20-15, setting up a nail-biting finish.

Trailing by six going into the final quarter, South Sudan maintained composure as Senegal mounted what seemed to be a late comeback. Although Senegal outscored them 17-10 in the fourth, it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit. The buzzer confirmed a one-point victory for the rising East African side.

The game exposed contrasting strategies: South Sudan capitalized on lightning-fast transitions, outscoring Senegal 17-7 in fast breaks. In contrast, Senegal relied heavily on bench depth, scoring 43 of their points through substitutions. But ultimately, it was the efficiency and tactical execution of the South Sudanese team that made the difference.

The shock result sent ripples through the crowd, with Nigerian fans breaking into the cheeky Afrobeat anthem, "Lagbaja, nothing for you", in a playful dig at the dethroned basketball giants.

Meanwhile, Nigeria — six-time champions — will face hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final at 7 p.m., aiming to clinch a record-extending seventh AfroBasket title. The D’Tigress, fresh off a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in football, are eager to affirm Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s sports.

Thousands of fans have packed the Abidjan venue, transformed into a festive theatre of African sport, as expectations soar ahead of the grand finale.