South Sudan beat Djibouti to qualify for semi final

South Sudan U20 National team has booked a semi-final slot in the on-going U-20 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers for the CECAFA Zone by beating Djibouti by a solitary goal in a match played at Kober Stadium, Khartoum.

In the crucial final Group A match, both teams played attractive attacking football but lacked sharpness in front of goal. One of the best chances came to Tito Mayor who missed a clear chance after a beautiful teamwork build-up in the 25th minute. Moments later some good pressing forcing a fine save from Djibouti keeper, Aboubakar Abdi.

Both teams committed a number of fouls with South Sudan having a penalty appeal denied by the referee who waved play on. The match went into halftime 0-0.

Coming into the second half South Sudan showed more intention in attacking while Djibouti’s defense held on together breaking with counterattacks. South Sudan pressing yielded no results and the technical bench initiated their first substitution card by bringing in Bhaanki Abujalha in the 58th minute for Agot and minutes later Aziz Fulla for Kenyi Wani.

South Sudan head coach, Charles John brought in Jacob Coal for Kennedy Martin in the 72nd minute. In the 79th minute, an eruptive attack by South Sudan from the left flank produced a set piece into Djibouti’s penalty box that was handled by a defender for a penalty. It was at this moment that Captain Joseph Jele stepped back calmly to slot home the penalty that won the match.

Djibouti tried to get into the game by bringing on board Khalid Ali for Chakib Ali Omar in the 83rd minute but South Sudan held on firmly into end of the match to secure an important win that took them to the next stage of the tourney.

They qualified as runners-up in Group A led by Sudan who won by a solitary goal against Burundi in Group A final match held at Al-Hilal Stadium, Khartoum.

_{Group A Table Standings}

                 _{P    W   D     L   GF    GA   A  Pts}

_{Sudan       3      2     1     0     2       0     2    7}

_{S.Sudan    3      1     2    0     1       0     1     5}

Burundi 3      1    1   0     5     1     4  4    

_{Djibouti    3      0     0     2     0      7     -7    0}