South Sudan triumphed over Congo in a thrilling five-goal encounter during their 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday, enabling Uganda and South Africa to qualify for the tournament set to take place in Morocco next year.
In a dynamic match at Juba National Stadium, South Sudan narrowly defeated Congo 3-2 in Group K, earning their first points of the qualifying campaign.
The home side displayed remarkable resilience, coming back from a 2-1 deficit to secure a vital victory that sparked immense celebration among their fans.
Following this result in Group K, Uganda leads with 10 points, followed by South Africa with eight. South Sudan’s win elevates them to three points, just behind Congo, who have four points.
With only one match remaining, third-placed Congo can no longer surpass Uganda and South Africa, clearing the way for the top two teams to qualify for the 2025 TotalEnergies AFCON in Morocco.
Congo initially demonstrated their determination by opening the scoring in the 26th minute, when Christopher Ibayi headed home from close range.
South Sudan responded quickly, with Ebon Malish equalising in the 31st minute with a powerful header.
However, Congo regained their lead just four minutes later, as Ibayi scored his second with a well-placed shot from a tight angle.
South Sudan fought back fiercely, and Malish equalised again in the 45+2 minute by heading in a cross from William Gama.
With the momentum on their side, South Sudan continued to press in the second half. The turning point came in the 78th minute, when Bryan Passi of Congo received a red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
In the 84th minute, substitute Data Elly scored the winning goal with a clinical finish, securing South Sudan’s first victory of the campaign.
This result improves their standings, placing them just one point behind Congo in Group K.
PHOTO: CAFONLINE
