Introduction to the Incident

The South Sudan men’s football team, also known as the Bright Stars, experienced a distressing situation at Benina International Airport in Benghazi, Libya. Upon arrival, the team was left stranded for three hours, which led to some players feeling sick. This incident is the second of its kind in five months, following a similar experience by the Nigerian national football team in Libya.

Travel to Libya

The Bright Stars had traveled from Egypt to Libya to face Sudan in the second leg of the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. According to the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), the team was expected to meet a representative from the Sudanese side to facilitate their entry into Libya. However, the Sudanese coordinator failed to show up, leaving the team stranded at the airport.

Stranded at the Airport

The situation became more concerning when the Libyan migration authorities seized the players’ passports, citing the absence of South Sudanese coordinators as the reason. The team was left with no choice but to wait for three long hours, unsure of what would happen next. Eventually, the migration officers allowed the team to exit the airport without their passports, which remained with the authorities as a guarantee.

Aftermath and Concerns

The experience had a significant impact on the players, with many feeling sick, exhausted, and mentally affected. The SSFA expressed its disappointment and concern over the lack of support and coordination from the Sudanese side. The association called on FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure accountability for the incident, emphasizing the importance of upholding commitments to player welfare.

Previous Incidents

This is not the first time a foreign football team has been abandoned at an airport in Libya. In October 2024, the Nigerian national football team was locked in a remote airport for 12 hours, leading to a fine of $50,000 for the Libyan Football Federation and the awarding of three points to Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Training and Preparations

Despite the challenging start to their trip, the Bright Stars resumed their preparations for the match against Sudan. The team was seen in a training session at the Benina Martyrs International Stadium, with Valentino Yuel Kuach, who plays for Libya’s Murooj FC, joining the national team.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the need for better coordination and support between football associations, particularly when it comes to the welfare of players. The SSFA’s call for accountability and action from FIFA and CAF is a step towards ensuring that such incidents do not happen in the future. The Bright Stars’ experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by football teams when traveling for international matches and the importance of prioritizing player welfare and safety.

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.

The Match Summary

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.

Introduction to South Sudan’s Basketball History

South Sudan’s women’s basketball team has achieved a remarkable milestone by qualifying for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament for the first time. This historic feat marks a significant turning point in the country’s sporting history, highlighting the rapid growth and development of women’s basketball in South Sudan.

The Journey to Success

Since their international debut in 2021, the team has shown steady progress and improvement. One of their most notable achievements was securing their first major win in 2023 against Rwanda in the Zone 5 Qualifiers. Under the guidance of coach Alberto Antuña, the team has continued to recruit top South Sudanese talents from around the world, leading to significant enhancements in their performance.

Qualification for AfroBasket 2025

In the 2025 AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers held in Cairo, Egypt, South Sudan finished third but was awarded a wildcard entry by FIBA, securing their first-ever spot in the tournament. A standout moment in their campaign was an impressive 80-63 victory over Kenya, demonstrating their competitiveness on the continental stage. Key players such as Adut Bulgak, a former WNBA draftee, and Delicia Washington, who led the team with 26 points against Kenya, played crucial roles in their success.

Preparations for AfroBasket 2025

With their qualification for AfroBasket 2025 confirmed, the team will now focus on preparing for the tournament, set to take place from July 25 to August 3 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This preparation phase will be critical in ensuring the team is ready to compete against the best teams in Africa.

Conclusion

The qualification of South Sudan’s women’s basketball team for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and the growth of women’s basketball in the country. As they prepare to compete on the continental stage, they carry not only the hopes of their nation but also the pride of being trailblazers in South Sudan’s sporting history. Their journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes and fans alike, showing that with perseverance and talent, achieving the impossible is possible.