South Sudan stop Central African Republic, Uganda Hippos held in U-20 AFCON

_{The Young Bright Stars of South Sudan got their campaign back on track with a hard fought 1-0 win against The Central African Republic in a Group B match played on Thursday night at the U-20 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.}

_{After losing 2-1 in their opening match to Congo Brazzaville, the South Sudan team returned determined to collect maximum points to brighten their chances of making it to the knock out stage.}

_{It was Paul Mara Jawa’s converted penalty in the first half at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt that earned South Sudan the vital three points.}

_{Coach Peter James’ team dominated play against The Central African Republic, but failed to find more goals. “We are very happy that we get our first win in this tournament and we now look forward to our last group match against Uganda. The players are happy and determined to play their hearts out,” added a happy Peter James.}

_{In the second Group B match played at the same Stadium, Uganda Hippos were held 2-2 by a 10-man Congo Brazzaville team.}

_{Josna Loulendo gave the Congo team the lead after six minutes, but the Hippos leveled matters Titus Ssematimba after goalkeeper Christophe Wamba’s error. After 30 minutes the CECAFA Zonal champions made it 2-1 with Saidi Mayanja tapping from close range an Isma Mugulusi cross. Congo Brazzaville had skipper Claude Ngongara sent off for a second bookable offence before the break.}

_{The Red Devils later equalized through Prince Mombouli and defended well to keep Hippos at bay.}

_{Uganda Hippos coach Jackson Mayanja said his players did not play according to the style expected. “We missed a couple of chances, many chances were wasted so there’s nothing to say, Congo is a lucky team,” added Mayanja.}

_{The CECAFA representatives Uganda Hippos and South Sudan will clash in their last crucial Group B match on February 26th, the same day The Central African Republic battle Congo Brazzaville in Cairo.}

_{Group B standing}

               _{P    W    D    L   GF   GA    GD   Pts}

_{Congo    2     1     1     0      4      3       1       4}

_{Uganda   2    1     1     0      4       3       1       4}

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

_{CAR       2    0     0     2      1      3     -2       0}