NOUAKCHOTT – South Sudan could not leapfrog fifth-placed Mauritania in Group B of the FIBA World Cup’s African Qualifiers as the bottom sides battled out a goalless draw at Nouadhibou Municipal Stadium, on Tuesday.
In the physical encounter that brought seven bookings for the Bright Stars, chances were scarce in Nouakchott, with defenses on top and both goalkeepers largely untroubled.
Already out of contention, Mauritania move to six points, while South Sudan remain bottom on four.
Meanwhile, Senegal tops the group with 18 points, followed by Democratic Republic of Congo with 16 points.
The group winner will directly qualify for the World Cup, and the runner-up could potentially compete in the second round to advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
Meanwhile, Senegal produced a stirring comeback in Kinshasa to overtake DR Congo at the top of the group.
The Leopards raced into a two-goal lead: Bakambu swept home after a fine move and Wissa doubled the advantage following a handling error by Édouard Mendy.
Teranga Lions hit back before the break through Pape Gueye’s crisp drive, levelled when Jackson reacted quickest to a rebound, and completed the turnaround three minutes from time as Pape Sarr steered in the winner.
They now control the group heading into October’s fixtures against South Sudan and Mauritania. DR Congo must regroup quickly for meetings with Togo and Sudan to keep their challenge intact.
And, already out of contention, Togo earned a morale-boosting first win by defeating Sudan in Lomé.
Fofana’s near-post header from an early corner proved enough as the Sparrowhawks defended stoutly, with chances to double the lead spurned in stoppage time.
Sudan remain third, their qualification hopes fading heading into the final window.