Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Tito Okello has told fellow Bright Stars players to go into the return leg match against Congo Brazzaville with confidence, even as he remains hopeful that South Sudan can book her maiden appearance at the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
Okello, who scored the match-winner in a surprise victory against Congo three days ago, away in Brazzaville, said just like the men’s basketball team, the football side can pull off surprises and book their maiden trip to the continental showpiece.
“We are confident that this time around we have to qualify for the Afcon,” Okello told the BBC.
Coach Stefano Cusin will once again rely heavily on the services of the former Gor Mahia (Kenya) forward to deliver when they take on Congo, a side still reeling from a shock 2-1 defeat last Thursday.
“Winning away was not a mistake. Now we look forward to the return match at home (in Tanzania), which we need to win more than anything else,” Okello added.
A victory for Cusi’s boys will put them in pole position to Ivory Coast, host for the next edition of the biannual tournament.
South Sudan will stage their home match away in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, owing to the unavailability of a standard stadium in the country. Juba National Stadium is still under renovation.
Okello said the victory over Congo has added some confidence to his side ahead of the return leg.
”I went into the game knowing I had to do something, and I told my teammates I was going to score the winning goal. It was a beautiful moment for everyone, including the fans at home.”
Cusin is optimistic that his player will replicate a similar performance. The Italian, however, is aware that Congo will come out in full fury.
“We anticipate a challenging match in Tanzania since we can be sure that Congo will be very enraged, but we are also gearing up for the match in order to do even better than the last match,” he expressed after the match.
The Bright Stars will be without Captain Peter Maker, who was sent off after picking up a red card in the victory against Congo, which was a first for South Sudan, in a competitive fixture.
The victory put South Sudan second in Group G, level with The Gambia and Congo but six points behind leaders Mali, who beat The Gambia 2-0 in their first leg.
Two teams will qualify from this group.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
For More News And Analysis About South-Sudan Follow Africa-Press
