(ABIDJAN) – South Sudan’s national women’s basketball team is set to face Mali on 26 July in the opening round of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, marking a key test in their campaign at the continental event.
The fixture will also see Mali’s rising star, Sira Thienou, make her debut in the tournament as she leads her national team in Group B. The 18th edition of the AfroBasket championship will run from 26 July to 3 August 2025, drawing national teams from across Africa.
Mali will play two guaranteed group matches — against South Sudan on 26 July at 4:30 p.m. Central Time (12:30 a.m. South Sudan time) and against Cameroon on 28 July at 4:00 p.m. CT (12:00 a.m. South Sudan time). The top teams will advance to the elimination stage starting 30 July, culminating in the championship final on 3 August.
Thienou, a standout player at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), brings strong momentum into the tournament. She was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team following a successful debut season with the Rebels. The Bamako-born player averaged 10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game during the 2024–25 NCAA season.
Her 79 total steals ranked highest among all freshmen in the Power Four conferences in the United States, falling just two short of tying the Ole Miss record for most steals by a freshman in a single season. Her strong defensive presence played a vital role in helping Ole Miss reach the NCAA Sweet 16 for the second time in three years.
Mali enters the AfroBasket with high expectations, having reached the podium in each of the last four tournaments. However, they have not won the continental title since 2007. Thienou’s addition could provide the extra edge they need to reclaim the top spot.
South Sudan, participating in its second AfroBasket since gaining FIBA recognition, is continuing to develop a competitive national women’s programme. With growing support from the South Sudan Basketball Federation and international partners, the team is aiming to establish itself among the continent’s elite.
The Group B schedule for Mali is as follows:
| Date | Match | Time (CT) | Time (Juba) |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 26 | Mali vs South Sudan | 4:30 p.m. | 12:30 a.m. (July 27) |
| July 28 | Mali vs Cameroon | 4:00 p.m. | 12:00 a.m. (July 29) |
For South Sudanese basketball fans, the fixture against Mali offers an early opportunity to assess the team’s progress and potential to advance in the competition. While Mali is viewed as a strong contender, South Sudan’s fast developing basketball talent, both at home and in the diaspora, may present unexpected challenges for their more experienced opponents.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket serves as a major qualification route for global tournaments and remains one of the most prestigious competitions on the African basketball calendar.
