New Zealand Women will face South Sudan Women in an important Group A game of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2026 on 21 August 2026. The contest is scheduled for 2:15 AM at Arena Astros in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Both teams have recorded one win and one loss in the tournament so far, making this an important game in the race for qualification. New Zealand have shown good defensive organization, while South Sudan have impressed with their rebounding strength and physical approach.
If you enjoy following today ipl match updates and checking ipl score alongside basketball, Todaymatch provides comprehensive sports coverage.
New Zealand vs South Sudan Match Details
| Match | New Zealand Women vs South Sudan Women |
|---|---|
| Tournament | FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2026 |
| Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Time | 2:15 AM |
| Venue | Arena Astros, Guadalajara, Mexico |
| Group | Group A |
| New Zealand Record | 1-1 |
| South Sudan Record | 1-1 |
| Prediction | New Zealand Women to win |
For those interested in ipl match betting alongside basketball, Todaymatch offers competitive odds.
Recent Form
| Team | Record | Recent Result |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Women | 1-1 | Lost to Brazil, 56-53 |
| South Sudan Women | 1-1 | Lost to Argentina, 64-61 |
Both teams enter this contest after narrow defeats. That makes this matchup particularly important, as another loss could make the qualification picture more difficult.
New Zealand Women Preview
New Zealand Women were narrowly beaten 56-53 by Brazil Women in their previous Group A game. Despite trailing for stretches, New Zealand remained competitive and produced a strong fourth-quarter response.
Lauren Whittaker was the standout performer with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Emilia Shearer added 13 points.
New Zealand’s defense helped them stay within touching distance, but their offense struggled for consistency. They shot only 32% from the field and also committed 24 turnovers.
The team will need to take better care of possession in this matchup. South Sudan’s physical defense and strong rebounding could make every extra possession important.
South Sudan Women Preview
South Sudan Women suffered a narrow 64-61 defeat against Argentina Women in their previous tournament game.
Moira Joiner led South Sudan with 19 points, while Maria Gakdeng contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds. Adut Bulgak was particularly effective on the boards, collecting 15 rebounds.
South Sudan showed excellent rebounding ability, controlling the boards 51-35. However, they also struggled with turnovers, giving the ball away 21 times.
Their size and physicality could cause problems for New Zealand, especially around the basket. If South Sudan can combine their rebounding strength with better ball control, they have a realistic chance of making this a very close contest.
Key Players to Watch
Lauren Whittaker – New Zealand
Lauren Whittaker is one of New Zealand’s most important players. She is averaging around 16.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game in the tournament.
Her ability to score while controlling the defensive glass will be crucial against South Sudan’s physically strong frontcourt.
Maria Gakdeng – South Sudan
Maria Gakdeng has been highly effective inside, averaging approximately 14.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game.
Her rebounding and interior scoring could give South Sudan an advantage if New Zealand struggle to defend the paint.
Expected Starting Lineups
New Zealand Women
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Pahlyss Hokianga |
| SG | Tayla Dalton |
| SF | Emilia Shearer |
| PF | Lauren Whittaker |
| C | Ella Tofaeono |
South Sudan Women
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Perina Leime |
| SG | Moira Joiner |
| SF | Nyamer Diew |
| PF | Adut Bulgak |
| C | Maria Gakdeng |
Starting lineups may change before tip-off.
Player Statistics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals / Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Whittaker | 16.0 | 10.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 / 0.0 |
| Maria Gakdeng | 14.5 | 13.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 / 1.0 |
The statistics highlight an interesting contrast. Whittaker provides a balanced scoring and rebounding presence for New Zealand, while Gakdeng has been particularly strong on the glass for South Sudan.
Team Comparison
| Category | New Zealand Women | South Sudan Women |
|---|---|---|
| Group A Record | 1-1 | 1-1 |
| Points Per Game | 55 | 62 |
| Assists Per Game | 15.5 | 9.5 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 46.5 | 59 |
| Steals Per Game | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Blocks Per Game | 0.5 | 0.5 |
South Sudan have the advantage in scoring and rebounding based on the tournament numbers provided, while New Zealand have produced more assists and may rely more heavily on team play and ball movement.
Match Analysis
This could be a low-scoring and highly competitive game.
New Zealand’s biggest challenge will be dealing with South Sudan’s physical presence around the basket. South Sudan’s rebounding numbers are particularly impressive, and second-chance opportunities could become a major factor.
At the same time, South Sudan must improve their ball security. Their 21 turnovers against Argentina gave the opposition additional opportunities and ultimately contributed to a narrow defeat.
New Zealand also had turnover problems in their previous game, so whichever team handles the ball better could gain a significant advantage.
The perimeter game may also be important. New Zealand will want to move the ball efficiently, create open shots and avoid allowing South Sudan to control the tempo.
With both teams sitting at 1-1, expect a competitive game where every possession matters.
New Zealand vs South Sudan Prediction
This matchup looks difficult to call, but New Zealand have a slight overall edge because of their defensive organization, team play and ability to compete in close games.
South Sudan’s rebounding strength and interior players should keep the contest close. However, if New Zealand reduce their turnovers and make their outside opportunities count, they should have enough quality to finish ahead.
Match Prediction
New Zealand Women to win.
Why New Zealand Have the Edge
- Strong defensive organization
- Better assist numbers
- Lauren Whittaker’s all-around contribution
- Experience in close international games
- Ability to create scoring opportunities through team play
What South Sudan Need to Do
South Sudan can challenge New Zealand by controlling the boards and making better use of their size. Limiting turnovers will be equally important, as extra possessions could decide a tight game.
Maria Gakdeng and Adut Bulgak will have major roles around the basket, while Moira Joiner will need to provide consistent scoring from the perimeter.
Where to Bet on Basketball Matches
If you are looking for a reliable betting app or online betting app for basketball matches, platforms like Gold365 and Silver Exchange provide excellent options.
For users who prefer exchange betting or playing exchange markets, Saffron Exchange and 99 Exchange offer competitive odds on basketball and other sports.
For those looking for trusted names in the industry, reddy book and reddy book club are well-known options. Mahadev book is another popular choice among bettors. Platforms like betbhai9, betbhai, betbhai9 com, and bet bhai also provide reliable services. For those who prefer international platforms, 1xbet, 1xbetmn, 1xbetx, and 1xbetm are available.
If you are looking for a playing exchange or play 99 exchange experience, 99exch, 99 exchange, and 99exchange offer competitive odds. Saffron exchange, saffronexch, saffronexch com, and www saffronexch con are also trusted options. Silver exchange, silverexch, silverexchange, and silver exchange admin provide secure and reliable services.
For users who prefer gaming platforms, 11xplay, 11xplay login, 11xplay black, and 11xplay online offer a premium experience. 365 gold, gold 365, gold 365 com, and gold 365.com are also excellent choices. Whether you are looking for online betting online or a dedicated online betting app, these platforms cover all your needs.
Final Verdict
Both New Zealand and South Sudan have shown enough quality to make this a competitive Group A matchup. South Sudan’s rebounding advantage makes them a dangerous opponent, but New Zealand’s defensive discipline and balanced team approach give them a narrow advantage.
Expect a physical contest with a relatively low scoring total, where the final few minutes could determine the winner.
Predicted Winner: New Zealand Women
Basketball fans can follow Todaymatch for the latest match updates, lineups, results, player news and tournament coverage.
