JUBA – Sitting at the bottom of Group B, South Sudan’s Bright Stars must beat Mauritania on September 9 to secure the only win in a dismal World Cup Qualifiers round and exit the tournament with a bit of dignity.
The national team departed Juba on Sunday evening to Mauritania, in the 8th round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers where they seek to bounce back from a humiliating defeat to DR Congo on home turf.
The team were seen off by the President of the South Sudan Football Federation Francis Amin, who assured that all necessary resources have been allocated to ensure the team arrives in Nouakchott ready to compete effectively.
Team captain Atir Thomas expressed that the players are filled with determination and are fully committed to achieving a positive outcome in their match against Mauritania.
Sabit Dok, the Chairman of the National Team Committee, confirmed that all arrangements for the squad in Mauritania are confirmed and ready.
On September 5, DR Congo’s Leopards beat the Bright Stars on matchday 7 as Sébastien Desabre’s men played with confidence, securing an impressive away in Juba.
Cédric Bakambu opened the scoring inside the first quarter of an hour (13th minute), well assisted by Joris Kayembe.
The pair linked up again in the 36th minute: the Genk (Belgium) left-back sent a perfect through ball to the Betis (Spain) striker, who showed he hasn’t lost his pace, beating Marko Magut for the second time.
Moments later, the former Marseille striker turned provider, setting up Yoan Wissa for Congo’s fourth goal (55th minute).
Before that, Nathanael Mbuku needed no help as he fired a rocket into the top corner, netting his first international goal and delivering a knockout blow to South Sudan just before halftime (45+1).
From there, the Leopards could calmly manage the game, even after Keer Majak pulled one back (68th minute).
Since their first and only World Cup appearance in 1974 as Zaire, DR Congo have been chasing another ticket to football’s biggest stage. This year could finally be their moment, but one last giant remains: Senegal. See you next Tuesday.
While DR Congo sit top of Group B, South Sudan are bottom after playing seven games without a single win, indicating a dismal qualification campaign.
With only three points from three draws, the Bright Stars face Mauritania on Tuesday, 9th September.