Despite anthem issue, South Sudan’s men’s basketball team made a memorable Olympic debut on Sunday, July 28, with a stunning, historic 90-79 win over Puerto Rico in their Group C opener.
Sudan’s anthem lasted about 20 seconds until South Sudanese fans expressed their frustration with flag waving and shouting. After a brief delay, the correct anthem was played, earning a warm reception from the crowd at Lille’s Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
For an event that takes every four years to plan, netizens found the mistake careless. “Not serious like you have an obligation to do research on these countries. What?,” one wrote on Instagram. “That was such a shame! I like how the people booed them,” another wrote.
The mix-up was especially poignant for South Sudan, a nation that gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after a civil war and qualified for its first Olympics only last year.
Once the game got underway, Carlik Jones led South Sudan with a near triple-double, delivering 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Marial Shayok added 15 points, while Nuni Omot contributed 12 points and six rebounds.
Puerto Rico’s Jose Alvarado was the top scorer with 26 points, despite an ankle injury that briefly sidelined him in the second quarter. Tremont Waters also added 18 points for Puerto Rico.
South Sudan’s dominance on the boards was a key factor, as they out-rebounded Puerto Rico 55-37 and scored 24 second-chance points compared to Puerto Rico’s 2. The Bright Stars took control in the second half, building a lead as large as 13 points in the final minutes.
This historic victory marks only the second time an African team has won a men’s Olympic basketball game since 1996, highlighting its significance for South Sudan and the continent.
Looking ahead, South Sudan will have the highly anticipated rematch against the USA on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.
