South Sudan’s national team has embarked on preparations ahead of the preliminary round of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Djibouti.
Djibouti will host the Bright Star in the first leg on March 23rd in Egypt, while the return leg will be played at the St. Mary's Stadium in Uganda on March 27th.
The two teams cannot host International matches at home yet since their national stadiums are undergoing renovation.
Cusin Stefano, the South Sudan head coach told Sports News Africa that they have started training this week before all the players join.
“We have started the preparations and hope to be ready for the two matches. The players are responding well during training,” added Stefano.
The head coach invited 38 players to start preparations with the team before the final squad is reduced.
Augustino Maduot Parek, President of the South Sudan Football Associations (SSFA) said they are giving the technical bench all the support because they are determined to see the team qualify for the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
“We started by taking the team for some international friendly games about two months ago and now the team has started early preparations before traveling to Egypt,” added the SSFA President.
The other teams from the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) that will battle in the preliminary round of the 2023 AFCON include; Eritrea and Somalia.
South Sudan Squad
Ramadan John Mayik (Malakia FC), Michael Marco (Amarat FC), Juma Jenaro Awad (Al Wadi, Sudan), Bernard Agele (SC Vila, Uganda), Omot Sebit David (Al Merreikh FC), Wani Ivan Adebo (Bidco FC, Uganda), Peter Maker Manyang (Zesco United, Zambia), Rashid Toha ( Arua Hill, Uganda), William Gama Emmanuel (Malakia FC), Asad Musa (Dila Gori, Georgia), Okello Tito Odong (Shahr Khodro, Iran), Data Elly Christopher (Kyetule FC, Uganda), Manyurow Achol (Dubai FC, UAE), Machop Malual Chol (Atlanta FC, USA), Samuel Taban Malis (Kator FC), Loki Emmanuel Peter (Bright Stars FC, Uganda), David Majak (Tusker FC, Kenya), Abraham Majok (Amazulu FC, South Africa), Akol Geofrey (Atlabara FC), Chol Peter (Kator FC), William Akio (Valour FC, Canada), John Koul (Wazito FC, Kenya), Atendele Gerica (Arua Hills FC, Uganda), Tehtloach Thor Monyang (Jebel Koteen, Kapoeta), Moses Ekoa Paul (Jebel Koteen, Kapoeta), Vitali Paulino (Rainbow SC), Jackson Morgan Obede (Shahr Khodro, Iran), Mutwokil Abdalakarim (Atlabara FC), Valentino Yuel (Newcastle Jets, Australia), Wani Isaac (Super Star FC), Ngong Achiek (Super Star), Maroune Anour (Hilal FC), Zubier Mohamed Abaker (Hilal FC), Mostapha Mohamed (Hilal FC), Tong Maduoa (Zalan FC), Adut Makoi (Zalan FC), David Alfred (Kator FC), Dominic James (Kator FC)
