- South Sudan and Japan have qualified for the Paris Olympics.
- South Sudan played their first official international match six years ago.
- While France automatically qualifies as hosts, Australia has already won the Oceania berth.
As the top-finishing teams from Africa and Asia at the Basketball World Cup, South Sudan, and Japan have qualified for the Paris Olympics.
South Sudan defeated Angola 101-78 in Manila to earn their third victory of the campaign. South Sudan played their first official international match six years ago.
Paris Olympics
The audience has been enthralled by the team’s performances, and masses have gathered in the capital city of Juba to watch on massive screens. At the World Cup taking place in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, South Sudan received praise for their dynamic play and upbeat demeanor both on and off the court.
With a tense 80-71 victory over Cape Verde in Okinawa, Japan secured their spot at the Paris Games. They hadn’t made the Olympic basketball competition in 48 years, except qualifying as hosts, but their third World Cup victory put them far ahead of their closest Asian rivals.
They won both games against Finland and Venezuela after coming from behind late, and head coach Tom Hovasse claimed they had “gained the respect of their opponents.”
Before the conclusion of their match against the Philippines, China was eliminated from Olympic qualification due to Japan’s victory. Along with the top two teams from both Europe and the Americas, the highest-placing teams from Asia, Africa, and Oceania at the World Cup also qualify for Paris.
While France automatically qualifies as hosts, Australia has already won the Oceania berth. The qualifying phase for the 12-team Olympic competition will offer four additional slots.
