South Sudan began the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 3-0 win over Somalia, showcasing strong offensive and defensive play. This victory places them at the top of Group B. Somalia, despite early chances, was unable to capitalize. South Sudan will next face Sudan as they pursue qualification for the AFCON next year in Ivory Coast.
South Sudan commenced their journey in the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers by securing a commendable 3-0 victory over the defending champions, Somalia. The match, which unfolded at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, Kampala, saw South Sudan’s Shakir Antacio score the first goal with a powerful shot from outside the box in the 38th minute. Just before halftime, Panon Jou extended the lead with a successful finish following an assist from Lazarus Peter George Laku. In the second half, Laku added another goal from a free kick, cementing South Sudan’s dominance. Despite Somalia’s early pressure, they could not penetrate South Sudan’s solid defense led by Captain Ronaldo Jonothan. Following the match, South Sudanese coach Nasir Yousif Hassen Bakit expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance and ability to handle the pressure. South Sudan currently leads Group B with three points and is set to face Sudan next. In a simultaneous Group A match, hosts Uganda drew 1-1 with Tanzania, setting the stage for more competitive fixtures in this vital tournament.
The TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers is a critical tournament for young African footballers, acting as a pathway to the continental championship scheduled for next year in Ivory Coast. This mini-tournament involves six teams from the CECAFA region, competing for two slots in the AFCON. The current tournament, taking place in Kampala, Uganda, has witnessed the withdrawals of teams such as Ethiopia and Burundi, leading to adjustments in the group structure. Notably, South Sudan finished as runners-up in the previous edition of the tournament.
In conclusion, South Sudan’s impressive performance against Somalia sets a positive tone for the remainder of the TotalEnergies U-17 AFCON qualifiers. With their next challenge against Sudan looming, they have demonstrated readiness to contend for top honors in the tournament. As the competition progresses, it will be essential for all teams to maximize their performances to secure qualification for the upcoming AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Original Source: cecafaonline.com
