South Sudan, featuring Sydney's Kouat Noi, thumped Mali 85-60 on Saturday for their second win in Group A of the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. The result extended the Bright Stars' unbeaten run in African competition to 7-0 dating back to August 2022.
It was South Sudan's second-largest winning margin in those contests, trailing only the 101-58 victory over DR Congo in the second round of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers on August 27, 2022, in Monastir, Tunisia.
Atem Kuany Kuany top-scored for South Sudan with a game-high 17 points. Dhieu Deing added 13 and Junior Madut contributed 12 as Luol Deng's side improved to 2-0 in Group A, following their opening win over Morocco.
For Mali, Tamandjan Konate and Fousseyni Drame were the only players to reach double figures, finishing with 15 and 10 points respectively. South Sudan, who also count Sydney Kings guard Jackson Makoi in their squad, face DR Congo next on Monday.
