South Sudan have made a winning start in the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers taking place in Kampala, Uganda.
The 2022 runners-up stopped the reigning champions Somalia 3-0 in the opening Group B match played at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Sunday.
Somalia started a better side with skipper Anas Abdi seeing his effort miss the target after 14 minutes.
But the South Sudan team grew in confidence as started to close the gaps and dictate play.
After 38 minutes Shakir Antacio put South Sudan ahead when he unleashed a hard long shot from outside the box that beat Somalia’s goalkeeper Abdirahman Abdugadir.
At the stroke of half time South Sudan increased their lead with Panon Jou finishing off a well taken Lazarus Peter George Laku cross.
In the second half Somalia made some changes, but still failed to break South Sudan’s defending line led by Kudum Chol, Dameul Eyi and captain Ronaldo Jonothan.
After 72 minutes Lazarus Peter George Laku finished off from a free kick to put South Sudan 3-0 ahead. The striker however got injured during the celebration and was replaced.
“I am happy that my team managed to contain the pressure by Somalia and later score three goals. It is still early in the tournament, but we are happy with the win,” said a happy coach of South Sudan Nasir Yousif Hassen Bakit after the match.
South Sudan now top Group B with 3 points and will next face Sudan in their second match.
In the second match, a Group A tie hosts Uganda and Tanzania settled for a 1-1 draw.
Saleh Ally gave Tanzania the lead after 19 minutes, but Uganda piled pressure and leveled matters after 58 minutes through Isima Magala.
Action will continue on Wednesday with Tanzania facing Kenya in a Group A tie, while South Sudan take on Sudan in a Group B match. The best two teams will qualify for the U-17 AFCON to take place in Ivory Coast next year.
