By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan’s hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics hang in the balance as they prepare to face Serbia in their final group match today.
The Bright Stars suffered a 103-86 defeat to the United States on Wednesday, dropping them to third place in Group C behind Serbia.
So far Brazil, Canada, Germany, France, and the USA have already secured their spots in the playoffs.
The tournament format sees 12 teams divided into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals.
South Sudan defeated Puerto Rico 90-79 in their opening game but the loss to the USA has put them in a precarious position. A win over Serbia would secure second place in the group, while a defeat could see them rely on other results to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
The two teams have met previously, with Serbia emerging victorious in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.