South Sudan secured a dominant 3-0 victory against Somalia in the first match of the TotalEnergies U-17 AFCON – CECAFA qualifiers. Shakir Antacio, Panon Jou, and Lazarus Peter George Laku scored for South Sudan, who now lead Group B with three points. The tournament runs until December 27, with the top teams qualifying for the U-17 AFCON set to take place next year in Ivory Coast.
South Sudan achieved a remarkable victory against Somali in the opening match of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers, held in Kampala, Uganda. They secured a 3-0 win, demonstrating their football prowess after an initial challenge from Somalia, who missed an opportunity to score early on. Shakir Antacio opened the score for South Sudan with a powerful long-range shot, followed by Panon Jou extending the lead just before halftime.
In the second half, South Sudan’s Lazarus Peter George Laku increased the margin after converting a free kick, despite sustaining an injury in the celebration. The South Sudan coach, Nasir Yousif Hassen Bakit expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance against the reigning champions, stressing the importance of this tournament. With this victory, South Sudan tops Group B with three points, ready to face Sudan next.
In addition, the tournament features other matches, including a tightly contested draw between Uganda and Tanzania in Group A. The qualifiers involve six teams with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals, aiming to secure positions at next year’s AFCON in Ivory Coast.
The TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers is an important youth football tournament that determines the continental representatives for the U-17 AFCON. It involves teams from the Central and Eastern Africa region, showcasing young talent and promising footballing potential. The tournament’s structure includes group stages followed by elimination rounds, with participants vying for qualification to the prestigious AFCON event in Ivory Coast. The competition also provides an opportunity for players to be scouted for future engagements at higher levels in the sport.
In summary, South Sudan’s emphatic victory over Somalia marks a successful start to the U-17 AFCON qualifiers, placing them in a strong position at the beginning of the tournament. With their next match against Sudan on the horizon, South Sudan looks to build on their momentum. This tournament plays a crucial role in advancing youth football in the region, ultimately leading to qualifications for the continental AFCON.
Original Source: cecafaonline.com
