South Sudan’s U18 Bright Stars squad members. Photo: South Sudan Basketball.

South Sudan’s Under-18 men’s national basketball team begins its FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026 Zone 5 Qualifiers campaign today against regional rivals Uganda.

The Young Bright Stars will face Uganda in their Group B opener before meeting Kenya in the round-robin competition. The group winner will qualify for the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026 finals.

South Sudan is seeking a strong start against a familiar East African opponent as teams compete for a place at the continental championship.

Each match will be important, with participating nations fighting for qualification to the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket finals.

The Zone 5 Qualifiers bring together several East African countries and provide a pathway to the continental tournament.

South Sudan’s young squad will aim to showcase the country’s growing basketball talent and continue its rise on the African stage.