South Sudan’s Bright Stars secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Djibouti in the first leg of their preliminary round clash for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying. The match took place in the South Sudanese capital of Juba on Thursday.
Unable to host at a CAF-approved home venue, Djibouti faced an uphill battle on familiar turf for the Bright Stars. The two sides will reconvene at the same location on Sunday for the second leg.
South Sudan vs Djibouti – CAF Qualifier Preliminary (BBC Sport)
First Half Breakthrough Seals Early Advantage
Djibouti held firm for the initial 30 minutes but struggled to generate chances. A set-piece opportunity shifted the momentum when Bangasi Bakasoro’s free kick from the right wing disrupted the Djiboutian defense. The ball bounced to the far post, where Teng Kuol tapped it in to open the scoring.
Second Half Collapse for Djibouti
The second half proved disastrous for the Sharks of the Red Sea. Just after the restart in the 49th minute, sharp team play from the Bright Stars targeted the left wing. Keer Majak delivered a low cross into the penalty area, which Bangasi finished clinically.
Majak’s influence continued in the 66th minute via a corner kick that again highlighted Djibouti’s set-piece frailties. Peter Maker found space unmarked at the edge of the six-yard box to head home the third goal.
Majak then capped the rout by dribbling through a dispirited Djiboutian defense to score the fourth and final goal, cementing South Sudan’s emphatic win in this AFCON qualifier.
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