South Sudan cruise past Djibouti 4-0 in TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 qualifying opener
South Sudan produced a commanding performance to defeat Djibouti 4-0 in their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 Preliminary Round first-leg clash in Juba on Thursday.
Keer Majak was the standout performer, scoring once and providing two assists, as South Sudan took full control of the tie ahead of the return leg, which will also be played at the same venue.
The result gives South Sudan a significant advantage in their bid to reach the group stage of the qualifiers, leaving Djibouti with a mountain to climb in the second leg.
Early breakthrough sets the tone
South Sudan made their intentions clear from the outset and were rewarded in the 31st minute when Justin Bangasi set up Teng Kuol to open the scoring.
The goal gave the hosts confidence as they continued to press forward, while Djibouti struggled to cope with South Sudan’s pace and movement in attack.
Despite the early pressure, Djibouti managed to keep the scoreline at 1-0 going into the break, offering a glimmer of hope heading into the second half.
Majak takes centre stage after the break
Any hopes of a Djibouti comeback were quickly extinguished after the restart, as South Sudan stepped up their intensity.
Bangasi doubled the lead in the 49th minute, finishing off a move orchestrated by Majak, who was instrumental throughout the contest.
Majak then turned provider again in the 66th minute, setting up Peter Manyang to make it 3-0 and effectively put the result beyond doubt.
The forward capped off an impressive individual display by scoring South Sudan’s fourth goal in the 81st minute, sealing a comprehensive victory.
The defeat leaves them facing a daunting task in the return leg, where they will need a near-perfect performance to overturn the deficit.
With both legs being played in Juba, they will look to capitalise on their familiarity with the conditions to complete the job in the second encounter.
Seychelles hold Lesotho in Bloemfontein
Meanwhile in the other match played on Thursday in Bloemfontein, Seychelles and Lesotho played out to a goalless draw at the Free State Stadium.
The return leg will be played at thje same venue in the neutral venue in the South African city on Sunday.
The matches forms part of the opening round of qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027, with the lowest-ranked teams competing for six places in the next stage.