Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan’s U-20 National Men’s team lost their second straight friendly match in the build-up to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The junior Bright Stars stepped up the preparations for their maiden appearance on a continental stage with two friendlies against the host Egypt and Zambia, both of which ended in defeats.
Coach Peter James Wani’s team lost 1-0 to an Egypt side in their first friendly thanks to a 94th-minute goal from the penalty spot.
Although they lost to the AFCON hosts at the tail end of the match, their performance against Egypt was somehow impressive.
But the same could not be said for their match against Zambia, in which they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat.
Despite holding Chipolopolo scoreless in the first 45 minutes, Bright Stars were dimmed by three quick goals in a span of 11 minutes.
Zambia broke the ice with an opener in the 76th minute, then scored two quick goals in two minutes after Bright Stars conceded the second in the 84th, before Zambia tripled their lead later in the 86th minute.
With the tournament still a few days away, Wani needs to get his act together before the tournament kicks off on February 19, in Alexandria and Ismailia, Egypt.
The U20 Bright Stars booked their maiden ticket to the continental showcase last year in November, under the leadership of former coach Charles John Guit.
But a few weeks later, Guit was fired by SSFA due to “administrative issues.”
Wani’s appointment came at a time when the team was putting the finishing touches on the continental game.
Source: The City Review
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