The South Sudan national football team, Bright Star, achieved a historic victory on Sunday in the first round of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers, defeating Kenya 2-0 in their quest for a spot in the Total Energies Cup.
Ezibon Ebon opened the scoring in the 50th minute, with Yohanna Juma adding a second goal in the 68th minute to secure the win. Head Coach Nikolas Depuos praised his players’ hard work and dedication, which he said were key to their victory.
Reflecting on the match, Depuos expressed confidence for the upcoming second-leg game in Uganda, though he acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“The match wasn’t hard to win, but Uganda will be different. We’ll go in with the same approach as today and are hopeful that South Sudan will qualify for the African Championship,” he said.
Depuos commended Esborn Malish for his outstanding performance, encouraging upcoming players to emulate his commitment on the field.
Kenya’s Head Coach, Engin Firat, admitted dissatisfaction with his team’s preparation for the match, stating,
“Our preparation wasn’t at its best, and South Sudan showed greater determination. They deserved the win.” First, it noted Kenya’s strong start but highlighted defensive lapses that allowed South Sudan to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Kenya will seek redemption in the return fixture scheduled for November 3 in Uganda.
This historic victory marks only the second win for South Sudan in CHAN qualification history, signaling a hopeful turning point for the team as they work toward securing a spot in the African Nations Championship.
