Bright Stars jet home after triumph over Djibouti
South Sudan national team returned home after a 5-2 aggregate victory over Djibouti in the preliminary round of qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Stefano Cusin’s Bright Stars have already secured a spot in the AFCON group stages, where they will now face the best-ranked African sides.
Speaking during their arrival at Juba International Airport, Dr Albino Bol Dhieu, the minister of youth and sports, hailed the players and the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) for their efforts in the AFCON qualifier.
“Today was a beautiful morning as we arrived to greet our valiant warriors, the Bright Stars players, who have made us proud over the last few days by defeating Djibouti twice in AFCON 2023 qualification, “Dr Bol said.
“I am here on behalf of President Salva Kiir and the administration to congratulate these young guys on their outstanding achievement.”
He urged the citizens to embrace sports, saying “we have witnessed how joyfully we [are] as South Sudanese because sports is one of the languages that will unify [us].”
Dr Bol praised the SSFA administration as well as the team’s head coach and fans for their contributions to the Bright Stars’ triumph.
“That is exactly what we desire. We must be proud of our flag and our identity, and we must change the narrative that South Sudan can [only] accomplish negative things,” he stated.
He pledged the government’s commitment to supporting the national football team, adding that it is time for the country to pay special attention to the team and provide all essential support to keep it motivated.
Dr Bol urged the commercial sector and other well-wishers to join forces with the SSFA and the government in promoting sports in the country.
Meanwhile, the president of the South Sudan Football Association, Gen. Augustino Maduot, congratulated every South Sudanese who supported the Bright Stars on their way to the 2023 AFCON group stages.
“That is the meaning of national pride,” Gen. Maduot remarked. “We are proud of what Bright Stars have accomplished and we hope the team will advance from the group stages and qualify for AFCON 2023.”
He pleaded with the government to assist the squad in the upcoming group stages, saying it requires a lot of cash for the team to advance.
South Sudan was among the 12 less-ranked teams that have participated in the preliminary round of 2023 AFCON qualifiers and among the 12 of the six teams that have progressed to the AFCON group stages.
The countries that have joined South Sudan include Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Gambia, and Sao Tomé.
The six teams will be joining the other 42 highest-ranked teams that qualify directly for the group stage.
