South Sudan players, technical bench and officials have on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 jetted back into the country from Seychelles where they had gone for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers return leg match.
The plane landed at the Juba International Airport Airport at around 1000 hrs and a number of fans were at the airport to receive the team after their 1-0 victory in a match played at Stade Linité in Victoria.
Even though the Islanders dominated much of the proceedings for the most parts of the match, South Sudan were able to find the back of the net through Joseph Kuch in the 71st minute, a goal which made sure that Bright Stars advance to the group stages on a healthy 3-1 aggregate victory.
South Sudan Football President (SSFA) Francis Amin commended the Stars on their performance, adding that they will now shift focus on to the group stages.
“We are past the stage that we thought was difficult. I want to thank these young men behind me for the job well done,” said Amin.
“What I can say is, the next stage is going to be the toughest and I am calling on everyone to come and support this cause – the government, businessmen, companies, fans and well-wishers – for us to try to reach the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Captain Khamis Leon also commended his teammates for putting up a gallant fight, further calling all stakeholders to rally behind the team in upcoming matches.
“I want to congratulate my teammates for their mental strength. We, however, appeal to our government and other stakeholders to come in and support the SSFA so that we can achieve the dream of playing in the AFCON,” Leon said.
South Sudan will play in Group B of qualifying with Burkina Faso, Uganda and Malawi.
