James rues missed chances in South Sudan defeat

South Sudan coach Peter James says his side failed to make best use of their chances when they lost to Congo at the ongoing TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia.

The Bright Stars were making their tournament on Monday night at the Suez Canal Stadium in the Egyptian city of Ismailia.

Paul Mara scored a brilliant goal seven minutes from time, but it was only enough for a consolation. Maurile Bassinga and Soussou Ilendo gave Congo a two-goal lead before Mara pulled one back for Peter James' side.

“Congratulations to Congo for winning the match, it was an amazing match. We gave everything, but we didn’t make best use of our chances," the South Sudan coach said.

“Congo, they did well in the first half and second half we came back to the game, and we scored a goal, but this chapter is now close and we’re looking forward to the second game.

Many things happened. I lost my defender (Sarfino Lado) and in the last ten minutes I also lost my striker Felix Abishai, but we strategize and yes, we lost the game but we’re still in the tournament."

The Bright Stars will be back in action on Thursday, 23 February at the Suez Canal against the Central African Republic.