South Sudan are the strongest contenders to qualify for this year's Basketball World Cup, according to the International Basketball Federation ranking presented by Nike. Twelve African teams are competing for four World Cup tickets in the final window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in Alexandria, Egypt.
The Bright Stars need just one win in Group F to seal Africa's place at the World Cup in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines. Côte d'Ivoire became the first African side to qualify after a 77-69 win over Cape Verde on Sunday.
South Sudan rose to the top of the continental rankings last year after topping Group B in the first round of qualification with a perfect record, including a win over defending champions Tunisia. They face Senegal on February 24, 2023.
FIBA said: "The team's morale and eagerness to make history play in their favour although the Bright Stars know too well that they need to be in their prime to succeed against a Senegalese team that desperately need wins to return to the World Cup for the third straight time."
Egypt are the second most likely to qualify, followed by Angola, Cape Verde, Senegal and Tunisia, while Uganda and Guinea have the least chance.
