Star Quartet Powers Cameroon to Win Against South Sudan at 2025 Women’s AfroBasket

Cameroon got off to an exciting start at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, securing a solid 70–63 victory against South Sudan in their Group B opener in Abidjan.

Playing in their 15th continental tournament, the “Lionesses”—as the Cameroonian team is known—entered the game aware of the determination of the South Sudanese, who were making their debut at the event.

Cameroon signaled its intent early, with Jessica Thomas converting three free throws. However, this three-point lead was quickly erased by a three-pointer from Adut Bulgak, followed by a two-point basket from Maria Teresa Gakdeng, giving South Sudan a5–3 lead. Three minutes into the game, South Sudan led 12–5, but the rest of the quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with several lead changes.

With just five seconds left in the first quarter, Cameroon’s point guard Josiane Tientcheu, fouled by Bulgak, converted two of three free throws to give her team a 17–16 lead.

The second quarter continued with both sides trading leads. Cameroon eventually leaned on the brilliance of Marguerite Effa and Joelly Belleka to edge ahead 32–31 at half time.

Cameroon came out in the third quarter determined to break free from South Sudan’s grasp, and forward Dulcy Fankam came alive, contributing seven points to help her side end the quarter with a 50–43 lead.

In the final quarter, South Sudan looked to veteran Adut Bulgak, who finished with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, as well as Nyamer Lual Diew (16points) and Delicia Washington (14 points) for inspiration. Though they fought hard, Cameroon’s inspired quartet ultimately frustrated the South Sudanese, sealing the game 70–63.

The Lionesses demonstrated dominance, outrebounding South Sudan 48–40, scoring 21second-chance points, and getting 18 points off the bench, showcasing the depth of coach Ahmed Mbombo Njoya’s squad.

Cameroon’s Star Quartet

The Lionesses showed grit and resilience throughout the game. In the toughest moments, they turned to the quartet of Jessica Thomas, Joelly Belleka, Marguerite Effa, and Dulcy Fankam.

Jessica Thomas was the calm in the storm for Cameroon. With a game-high 19 points, she was not only an offensive threat but also a defensive anchor, grabbing four defensive rebounds.

Joelly Belleka,29, who plays for USO Mondeville Basket, impressed with 16 points, including a clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter that crushed South Sudan’s hopes of a comeback.

Former Seattle Storm forward Dulcy Fankam once again demonstrated why she’s considered one of the continent’s best. In the 2021 AfroBasket, she averaged 10.4 points and 9.6 rebounds, and she picked up right where she left off. Fankam who turned 26 on Saturday recorded 10 points, 13 rebounds (eight on defense), and three blocks, finishing with an efficiency rating of 18.

The final piece of the puzzle, Marguerite Effa, added 12 points and five rebounds, rounding off a strong team effort.

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Post-Game Reactions

Following their second consecutive loss—after an earlier defeat to Mali—there was visible disappointment from the South Sudanese team.

“We gave up offensive rebounds, not putting our bodies on some balls, especially in clutch moments. We didn’t box out enough and gave them opportunities to score. We need to focus on the little things and improve where we can,” said South Sudan’s Delicia Washington.

Cameroon’s win was largely due to their ability to execute under pressure and dictate the game’s tempo.

“We controlled the rhythm. The biggest thing for us was securing the rebounds, dictating our game, and taking control. We knew they were going to be very aggressive. At that point, it was about finding ways to create and get my teammates involved,” said Cameroon’s Jessica Thomas.

Coach Ahmed Mbombo Njoya will now look to rally his squad as they prepare to face Mali on Monday in their second outing at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket

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