Guinea Stuns Tournament Favorite South Sudan in AfroBasket 2025 Group Stage Clash
In a thrilling start to the AfroBasket 2025, Guinea delivered the tournament’s first major shock by defeating powerhouse South Sudan 88-80 in a Group Stage game held on Tuesday, August 12, at the Pavilhão Multiusos Welwitschia Mirabilis in Moçâmedes, Angola.
Despite South Sudan entering the contest as one of the clear favorites, it was Guinea’s high-intensity play and elite three-point shooting that stole the show, signaling a potential shift in this year’s continental basketball power dynamic.
Alpha Diallo Leads Guinea’s Historic Win with 28 Points
Guinea’s victory was powered by Alpha Diallo, the AS Monaco forward and EuroLeague star, who dropped a game-high 28 points, including several clutch shots from deep. Diallo’s performance set the tone and gave Guinea an early advantage they refused to give up.
Supporting Cast Delivers for Guinea:
- Mamadi Diakite, former NBA champion and current Valley Suns forward (NBA G League), added 16 efficient points.
- Souleyman Boum Jr., running the point, chipped in 14 points and 9 assists, expertly managing the offense and tempo.
Guinea’s strategic dominance from beyond the arc was evident, sinking 15 three-pointers, making South Sudan pay for every defensive lapse.
South Sudan’s Struggles from Deep Prove Costly
South Sudan, known for their fast-paced and space-oriented playstyle, struggled to find rhythm, especially from long range. They shot just 5-of-21 from three-point territory, a sharp contrast to Guinea’s efficiency.
Standout Performances for South Sudan:
- Nuni Omot led the team with a flawless 27-point performance.
- Kendale McCullum added 16 points, while Jo Lual-Acuil recorded a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds).
Post-match, Omot acknowledged the challenge:
“They came out with the energy; they made a lot of three-point shots. We just need to do better—be the hunters instead of being hunted.”
What This Means for AfroBasket 2025 Group Stage
This result reshapes the outlook for AfroBasket 2025. Guinea now looks poised to challenge for a top spot in their group, while South Sudan will need a quick rebound when they face Libya on Thursday.
This game serves as a reminder that no team can be underestimated, especially on the continental stage where emerging talent is rising fast.
AfroBasket 2025: Guinea vs South Sudan Quick Summary
| Team | Final Score | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Guinea | 88 | Alpha Diallo (28 pts) |
| South Sudan | 80 | Nuni Omot (27 pts) |