South Sudan advanced to the next stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers despite a 1-0 defeat to Djibouti in the second leg, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory.
In the first leg, South Sudan showcased a commanding performance, winning 4-0, which set a strong foundation for their progression. In the return match held in Juba, Djibouti managed to score their only goal in the 77th minute, with Samuel Temidayo finding the net.
The aggregate score of 4-1 in favor of South Sudan highlights their overall dominance in the tie. The goal from Djibouti, while significant, came too late to impact the outcome of the qualifiers.
Djibouti’s victory in the second leg marked their first win away from home in many years, a notable achievement despite their exit from the competition. Throughout the match, Djibouti struggled to create clear-cut opportunities for long periods, reflecting their challenges in overturning the heavy deficit.
South Sudan appeared content to manage the game and protect their aggregate lead rather than push forward aggressively in the return encounter. Their overall performance emphasized their attacking quality and control, which was evident in the first leg.
As the preliminary round of AFCON 2027 qualifiers continues, with more matches scheduled for March 31, 2026, observers will be looking forward to how South Sudan builds on this success. The tournament will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, adding further excitement to the upcoming matches.
Ultimately, South Sudan’s emphatic first-leg advantage proved decisive, ensuring their place in the next round despite the narrow defeat in Juba. Details remain unconfirmed regarding Djibouti’s future plans following their exit from the qualifiers.
