Social media users were astounded after South Sudan basketball team nearly beat the United States of America in a pre-Olympic Games matchup on July 20, 2024, in London.

South Sudan, who were 20 seconds away from beating the world's best team, lost the exhibition game through a LeBron James clutch bucket that gave Team USA a 101-100 win.

This was the first meeting between the two countries, with South Sudan preparing for their first-ever Olympics.

After giving the USA a run for their money, many social media users, specifically on X (formerly Twitter) lauded the young Sudanese side, acknowledging their talents.

Others highlighted the growth of basketball in South Sudan and how the federation has built a formidable team just 13 years after the country gained independence.

South Sudan are the only African representative in the basketball competition at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

They are in Group C along with Serbia, Puerto Rico, and the USA.

Read how social media users reacted to South Sudan's performance against the USA below:

EE/OGB

Respect African basketball.

Well done South Sudan 🇸🇸 @SSBFed, you made Africa proud. pic.twitter.com/a7n5nydMi6

— D’Tigers | Nigeria Basketball (@NigeriaBasket) July 20, 2024

Coach Kerr recognizing the team after last night’s exhibition. 🇸🇸 pic.twitter.com/LF0uiZIKjx

— South Sudan Basketball (@SSBFed) July 21, 2024

International basketball is evolving fast. South Sudan’s program is under four years old, with a 17-year-old at Duke. Do the math. This is scary

These players are better than you think. Proud of Luol and Dzaflo—last night was a moment for us. #SouthSudan #FamilyTogether 🇸🇸🖤⚜️ pic.twitter.com/Nwu0gTlX1q

— Benny Bonsu (@MsBennyBonsu) July 21, 2024

Well done South Sudan. The Olympics is going to be interesting

— Edison Ade (@buzzedison) July 21, 2024

South Sudan has the advantage cos of how tall their men are, it’s quite surprising how USA might have beaten them with an advantage of experience

— Juicy🥷🏿🇬🇭 (@JuicyCFC) July 21, 2024

Impressive performance by South Sudan Basketball Team in a match against the USA.
This remarkable play is a testament to the immense talent and potential we possess back home in the IGAD region. Let this be an encouragement to our youth that nothing is impossible.… pic.twitter.com/APJJiKCnJa

— Dr Workneh Gebeyehu (@DrWorkneh) July 21, 2024

Big up South Sudan and all Sudanese … love!!! Love all of this…. 🫡 https://t.co/5a83s02Evb

— the Old Man Ebro (@oldmanebro) July 21, 2024

The whole world to South Sudan 🇸🇸 https://t.co/QebsBNwFX5 pic.twitter.com/YdoaC3ivxB

— Mayen🇸🇸 (@kishymayen) July 20, 2024

#Texas Ex Royal Ivey had South Sudan ready to play vs Team USA

His squad gave America all that and a bag of chips and Steve Kerr believes that was something USA needed

“Good experience for us. Good reminder that when we play against teams, it’s the biggest game of their lives” pic.twitter.com/cD77X0XRHs

— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) July 21, 2024

Honestly, this was a win for South Sudan considering they were playing against the USA. A win for Africa too @zack_diary right?😄

Keeping an eye at them at Paris Olympics 2024

Bravo @SSBFed https://t.co/vC1o5u1VrH

— Egline Samoei (@Egline_Samoei) July 21, 2024

Excited for South Sudan! 👏🏿👏🏿 @SSBFed, @LuolDeng9 and @Dr_Arou have put in the work and are making Afrika proud.

Looking forward to seeing you compete in Paris against the best💪🏿 #Paris2024 https://t.co/UYRuToBxxg

— Bryan Kimenyi (@BryanKimenyi) July 20, 2024

One day we will talk about the role and impact @LuolDeng9 has had on South Sudan as a country but also basketball!

May God just keep blessing the works of your hands champ! https://t.co/CCnBF3D7Hf

— Paul Kato K (@iampaulkato) July 21, 2024

The World Newest Country represented Africa sooo well🙌🏾🙌🏾 https://t.co/rYCLoM6CTo

— Wode Maya ® (@wode_maya) July 20, 2024

Impressive 🙌🏾 https://t.co/mZAqto9yLY

— Yaw (@theyawofosu) July 20, 2024

Incredible performance by South Sudan - they had a shot to beat the US. 👏👏👏 #SSOX you must be very proud https://t.co/f80j4EoMku

— James Copnall (@JamesCopnall) July 20, 2024

Respect ✊ https://t.co/hT0rjCBaAc

— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) July 20, 2024

South Sudan I was not familiar with your game. RESPECT https://t.co/dEVEwcxVla

— dennis ombachi OLY (@ombachi13) July 20, 2024