Olympics 'disrespected' South Sudan basketball players with national anthem

South Sudan men's basketball players have slammed Olympics organizers as "disrespectful" after the wrong national anthem was played before its game this weekend,

The lowest-ranked team in the basketball Paris 2024 event has written an incredible story in reaching the Games as the world’s youngest country. The nation rose from years of civil war to gain independence in 2011 before taking on the world in basketball at the Olympics. But its big moment was almost spoiled by a pre-match problem.

Taking to the court against Puerto Rico on Sunday, players from both teams lined up for the customary anthem rendition. However, the track supposed to be playing the African nation’s anthem, played the wrong recording before cutting off after 20 seconds. The South Sudan players and their fans stood perplexed before both sets of fans began booing the gaffe.

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The arena then clapped as the South Sudan players stood with their hands over their hearts, with the Puerto Rico players doing the same in solidarity. "It's the pride for their country," said South Sudan’s American coach Royal Ivey. "South Sudan. 'Sud' means 'the land of the Black.'

“These guys wanted to play. Wanted to hear their anthem. They messed up on the anthem, but they got it correct. We all make mistakes. I'm definitely going to put that in comments. But at the end of the day, these guys are brothers."

The track did restart and eventually played the correct anthem which led to a standing ovation from spectators. "It gave us fuel to the fire," said South Sudan forward Nuni Omot. "Obviously, we felt disrespected when that happened. We've got to still earn our respect. So, I feel like for us we've got to continue to show the world what we're capable of. That was just a testament, people not respecting us still."

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And it appears that the anthem mishap duly proved the ultimate motivation for South Sudan as the team went on to win 90-79. "Respect to them, respect to the people," Omot said about the reaction from Puerto Rico’s players and spectators. "Obviously, they want us to succeed. Just for them to be able to respect us and be with us during that time, and listen and wait for us, that's just a testament to the type of people they are."

South Sudan almost caused a massive upset in the build-up to the Games, as only late magic from LeBron James dragged Team USA over the line in a 101-100 exhibition win in London before both nations started their Olympics campaigns. The two countries will meet again on Wednesday in Group C after the U.S. beat Nikola Jokic and Serbia 110-84 on Sunday.