Introduction to the Match
South Sudan’s national football team, the Bright Stars, secured a crucial 1-1 draw against Sudan in the second leg of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The match, played in Benghazi, Libya, saw Sudan take the lead in the 76th minute with a goal from Mohamed Eisa. However, the Bright Stars equalized deep into stoppage time, with Omot David Sebit scoring the crucial goal in the 98th minute.
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The match was intense and hard-fought, with both teams creating opportunities but ultimately settling for a draw. This result has a significant impact on the standings in Group B. Sudan, with 12 points, currently remains in the third position, while South Sudan remains in 5th position behind group leaders DR Congo, Senegal, Sudan, Togo, and Mauritania.
Previous Encounters
The two teams had previously met in June 2024 at Juba National Stadium, where Sudan won 3-0. This loss had put South Sudan at a disadvantage, but the recent draw has given them a glimmer of hope.
Upcoming Matches
Both teams now look ahead to their upcoming matches, with South Sudan preparing to face the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan set to take on Senegal in the next round of matches. These matches will be crucial in determining the final standings in Group B.
Challenges Faced by the Bright Stars
Before the match, the national football body SSFA reported that the men’s football team was stranded for three hours at Benina International Airport on March 23, leaving some players feeling sick. The team had traveled from Egypt to Libya and was expected to meet a representative from the Sudanese side upon arrival to facilitate its entry into Benghazi. However, the Sudanese coordinator did not show up for hours. The Sudan Football Association has since apologized for the inconvenience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1-1 draw between South Sudan and Sudan has significant implications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. While South Sudan’s chances of qualification are slim, the team’s determination and perseverance have earned them a crucial point. As the teams move forward to their upcoming matches, they will need to overcome the challenges they face and work towards achieving their goals. With the support of their fans and the football community, the Bright Stars can continue to shine and make their country proud.
