10-man South Sudan sink hosts Congo Brazzaville in AFCON qualifier

South Sudan picked their first win in the on-going 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Thursday night.

The 10-man Bright Stars team stopped hosts Congo Brazzaville 2-1 in a Group G match played at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat, Brazzaville.

After losing their first two matches played last year to Gambia and Mali, head coach Stefano Cusin’s team came all out to prove a point away from home.

Peter Chol gave the Bright Stars the lead after 65 minutes, but the visitors were later reduced in numbers when skipper Peter Manyang was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 73rd minute.

Congo Brazzaville leveled matter after 90 minutes with a penalty converted by Thievy Guivane Bifouma Koulossa. But the Bright Stars did not give up as they pushed forward and netted the winning goal six minutes into added time through substitute Tito Okello.

“We knew to have a chance to qualify for the AFCON we must get results in these two matches against Congo. I am happy we have won today away from home and now we must plan well for the game against the same side next week in Tanzania,” said a happy Cusin after the win which sends them to third on the log.

Another team from the CECAFA Zone Sudan suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Gabon in a Group I match played last night at the Stade de Franceville in Franceville.

Skipper Lloyd Palun netted the lone goal after 72 minutes. It was a poor start for newly signed Sudan coach Zaki Badou who was taking charge for the first time.