CECAFA U-23 CHALLENGE CUP 2021: South Sudan Losses First Group C Match To Kenya
The South Sudan U-23 team opened their group C account with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Kenya Emerging Stars as they booked a place in the semi final stage at the on-going regional CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Statistics showed that the two teams failed to find the goals in the early half with Kenya’s Henry Atola coming close after 14 minutes, but his effort went wide. South Sudan’s defender Joseph Stephen Dhata also had his long shot saved by Kenya’s goalkeeper Brian Bwire Okoth after 36 minutes.
After the interval South Sudan’s Sebit David Omot had his shot blocked after 46 minutes. Paul Reagan Otieno later put Kenya ahead with a well taken low shot after 51 minutes. It was Otieno’s third goal in the tournament after he netted two against Djibouti.
Otieno was later unlucky to limp off injured, but substitute Benson Ochieng Oluoch made it 2-0 with a tap in from close range after 79 minutes. The Young Stars of South Sudan tried to push forward but failed to take their chances, with coach James Simon Yor making some changes by introducing, Lual Gumnok Dani for Aluk Akec, Bida Ezra ( Data Elly Christopher) for Asad Musa which brought some possessive filament upfront.
South Sudan’s coach Simon James Yor said they played against a good team and must now go back to the drawing board to prepare for the game against Djibouti, the Young Stars will now play their last Pool C must win match against Djibouti on July 24th.
“I am happy we got revenge over South Sudan who beat us in a play-off game in the U-20 tournament last year. It was also good that the boys played tight and did not concede any goal,” said Kenya’s coach Okumbi after the game.
South Sudan XI To Face Kenya
1. Ramadan John
20.Dhata Joseph
17. Omot Sebit
5. Mutwakil Abdelkarim [C]
2. Stephen Pawar
18. Mandela Malish
16. Abdallad Asad Musa
6. Dominic Angelo
4. Loki Emmanuel
19. Aluk Akec Mabior
11. Wani Ivan Adebo
SUBSTITUTES
12. Debbo Moro
22. Makueth Akeen
9. Dani Gumanok
21. Data Christopher
10. Daniel Solong
7. Omar Michael
8. William Emmanuel
15. Samuel Malis
13. Emmanuel Abal
3. George Ladu
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