Senegal eclipse South Sudan's Bright Stars to advance to AfroBasket quarterfinals

Valencia-based shooting guard Brancou Badio stole the spotlight as five-time AfroBasket champions Senegal shocked top-ranked South Sudan's Bright Stars with a 78-65 victory to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Senegal had finished second in Group D behind Egypt, setting up a clash with South Sudan, who entered the tournament eyeing their first-ever African title but managed only one win—against Libya—to place third in Group C.

In just 33 minutes and 16 seconds on the court, the 26-year-old Badio delivered a standout performance, sinking 5 of 12 shots from beyond the arc and converting 10 of 11 free throws. He also scored consistently in the paint to tally a game-high 31 points, along with 3 rebounds and 2 assists, guiding Senegal past Luol Deng’s Bright Stars.

‍

‍

"I like the way we came out and played. Against Egypt and Mali our first quarter was bad and I challenged the players to start the game better today and they did," offered coach Ngagne De Sagana Diop, who admits he told his team he didn't like their huge lead at the break as it would invite pressure. "I knew they would make a run because of how they play and they shoot threes. I like how we stayed together even when they came within seven points. I am happy to see this from a young team." 

Kandale McCullum got action going from the free throw line but Brancou Badio grabbed the lead from deep. The two exchanged blows to see the game tied a 8 points, but Senegal dominated to lead 14-9. Both Tut Gach's trey made it a one-basket match at 16-14, Senegal holding on for 21-18 in the opening quarter. 

The early minutes of the second quarter were disrupted by multiple stoppages, but Ibrahima Diallo and Nuni Omot managed to get the scoring going for both sides, bringing the score to 23-20. However, South Sudan committed back-to-back turnovers, squandering their chance to close the gap. Ibrahim Faye capitalized on the second error, extending Senegal's lead to 25-20.

Senegal widened the margin to 10 points following a crucial block from Ibou Badji. Jean Jacques Boissy secured the rebound, sprinted down the court, and set up Moustapha Diop, who drove past his defender for a powerful dunk, making it 31-21 with 5:14 left on the clock.

The lead remained intact with 3:09 to go as Badio knocked down a mid-range jumper to make it 34-24. Boissy then sparked a two-minute scoring burst for Senegal, drilling a three-pointer to push the score to 37-25 before adding another basket shortly after. Diop chipped in four more points, and Badio capped off the half with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, sending Senegal into the break with a commanding 46-25 lead.

"We had a tough tournament. Very disappointing. We will regroup and start focus on what's next. I thought the players played hard in the second half in this match and I wish we would have played like that the entire game. We are disappointed as we hold a higher standard and better is expected. Credit to the other teams as they are strong and better," Deng expressed after his side's exit. 

Tut Gach got action going in the third quarter, dropping a three that got South Sudan going but they still trailed 54-30 but rallied for a 59-45 halfway through the period. Tut Gach's three-point play and Kur Nyok Kuath's basket down the stretch saw the Olympians play for a 29-16 quarter, to trail 62-54 in the lead up to the final quarter. 

Bright Stars had some empty possessions when they desperately needed points to continue their momentum and catch up with Senegal, and 8-1 all but sealing their fate as a late rally did little to change the result, Senegal went on to take the quarter 16-11, for the victory. 

Senegal go to battle against another five-time champion, Nigeria, in the quarters. 

"They are a good team, athletics. We will start preparing for them tonight and we will be ready," coach 

‍

[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]

‍