As Egypt’s Olympics dream hangs in the balance
FIBA World Cup debutants South-Sudan defeated Angola 101-78 to end their campaign with a qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Bright Stars simply overpowered Angola with Carlik Jones, who plays for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, leading the scoring.
He netted 26 points and also had seven rebounds and 15 assists.
“I’m speechless right now. To be quite honest, it’s so surreal. We’re going to the Olympics,” South Sudan coach Royal Ivey told reporters through tears.
“We’re going to the Olympics. Thank you to the people of South Sudan for staying with us, supporting us,” This is a great feeling. I wish I could bottle this up right now,” Ivey said.
South Sudan, initially eliminated from title contention, defeated hosts Philippines and China but faced losses against Puerto Rico and Serbia during the tournament.
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They can leave with their heads held high as they have finished as the top African nation – while making their debut.
The dressing room was all celebration for the battling Africans.
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South Sudan, ranked 62nd in the world, played their first official international just six years ago in 2017.
For a country just born in 2011 after a deadly war of independence followed by a devastating civil war, this represents a true triumph of resilience and stone-hearted ruggedness.
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Hanger
It was a sad day for Egyptian basketball as the Pharaohs were beaten 88-86 by New Zealand in a nail-biting finish.
Egypt now have to wait to find out if they can still make it to the 2024 Olympics.
Egypt were better for most of the match, but in the second quarter they lost several free throws.
New Zealand then went on a 15-0 run, taking a double digit lead and keeping Egypt three or four possessions away for most of the game.
But in the final five minutes, Egypt’s full court pressure began to bother the Tall Blacks.
New Zealand had an 80-70, which evaporated in three minutes, and Ehab Amin’s three-pointer ended a 13-2 Egypt run to put the Pharaohs up 83-82 with two minutes to play.
Jordan Ngatai responded with a corner three to put New Zealand back up. Amr El Gendy hit one back, but at 86-86 with 17 seconds to play Reuben Te Rangi drew a blocking foul.
He made both shots, while El Gendy’s long three did not drop for Egypt on the other end.
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With a chance for a direct route to Paris now dead in the water, Egypt will have to settle for a playoff instead.
