South Sudan Triumphs Over Somalia in U-17 AFCON Qualifiers Opener

South Sudan opened the TotalEnergies U-17 AFCON qualifiers with a solid 3-0 victory over reigning champions Somalia at Nakivubo Stadium. Goals from Shakir Antacio, Panon Jou, and Lazarus Peter George Laku secured the win for South Sudan, placing them at the top of Group B. The team will face Sudan next as the tournament progresses.

In a remarkable display of skill, South Sudan commenced their campaign in the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers by decisively defeating Somalia 3-0 in the opening match of Group B at Nakivubo’s Hamz Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. Somalia began the match with promise, but South Sudan quickly found their rhythm, taking the lead just before halftime through Shakir Antacio’s thunderous strike. They extended their lead soon after, and later added a third goal from a free kick by Lazarus Peter George Laku, solidifying their position atop Group B. Coach Nasir Yousif Hassen Bakit expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, asserting the importance of each match in this critical tournament.

The TotalEnergies U-17 AFCON qualifiers are being held in Kampala, Uganda, featuring teams from the CECAFA region vying for two spots in the prestigious U-17 AFCON in Ivory Coast next year. The tournament encompasses six competing teams, split into two groups after the withdrawals of Ethiopia and Burundi, which altered the initial draw. Teams within the tournament are under pressure as they seek to secure their positions in this esteemed competition, and each match holds significant implications for their progression.

South Sudan’s emphatic win against Somalia marks a strong start in the TotalEnergies U-17 AFCON qualifiers, placing them in an advantageous position within Group B. With their next matchup against Sudan on the horizon, South Sudan aims to maintain their momentum. The tournament continues to unfold, with teams demonstrating resilience and determination in their pursuit of qualification for next year’s U-17 AFCON.

Original Source: cecafaonline.com