South Sudan easily won against Angola, Egypt couldn't defeat New Zealand by a required margin, and the World Cup newcomers are going to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Two outcomes had to go right for South Sudan to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. They have now achieved the biggest win in the country's basketball history.
South Sudan easily defeated Angola in their last game of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, winning by 23 points.
Carlik Jones was unstoppable throughout the tournament. He finished the game with a stunning double-double of 26 points and 15 assists, adding 7 rebounds on top for a whopping efficiency score of 40.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
40
|
| Carlik Jones | |
| Points | 26 |
| Accuracy | 10-15 |
| Rebounds | 7 |
| Assists | 15 |
South Sudan needed Egypt to either lose against New Zealand or win by 2 points less than they did. With the Pharaohs not achieving their goal, the path for South Sudan became clear.
As such, South Sudan became the best-placed team from the African continent and guaranteed themselves a place in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Even before the tournament, South Sudan registered the best result in the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers after going undefeated in the entire cycle and registering 11 wins and no losses.
Now, they will look to surprise the world next year once again.
