South Sudan Defeats Somalia 3-0 in U-17 AFCON Qualifiers Opening Match

South Sudan defeated Somalia 3-0 in their opening match at the U-17 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers in Kampala. The victory positions South Sudan at the top of Group B. Somalia’s early efforts fell short, while South Sudan capitalized on their opportunities. Coach Nasir Yousif Hassen Bakit acknowledged the team’s strong performance despite being early in the tournament.

In a stunning opening match of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers in Kampala, South Sudan triumphed over defending champions Somalia with a decisive 3-0 victory. The match, held at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium, showcased South Sudan’s dominant play after a slow start. Shakir Antacio’s long-range shot put South Sudan ahead before halftime, followed by Panon Jou’s goal just before the break. A free kick converted by Lazarus Peter George Laku capped off an impressive performance, securing South Sudan’s top position in Group B with this critical win. Coach Nasir Yousif Hassen Bakit expressed his satisfaction with his team’s ability to withstand pressure and score effectively.

The CECAFA qualifiers for the U-17 AFCON feature several teams vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament that will take place in Ivory Coast next year. The qualifiers, which include South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, aim to determine which teams will advance to the semi-finals based on their performances in the early rounds. Notably, the competition has seen withdrawals from teams like Ethiopia and Burundi due to eligibility issues and financial constraints, affecting the overall tournament structure and group compositions.

This match not only highlights South Sudan’s potential in youth football but also sets the stage for a competitive tournament where each team strives for qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations. The strong performance against Somalia establishes South Sudan as a formidable contender moving forward in the qualifiers, while Somalia will need to regroup and address their defensive weaknesses before their next match. With several interesting fixtures lined up, the tournament promises thrilling contests as teams vie for AFCON spots.

Original Source: cecafaonline.com