South Sudan have one foot in the group stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 after a 4-0 away against Djibouti in the Preliminary Round qualifier on Thursday, March 26th, 2026.
South Sudan made their intentions clear from the outset and were rewarded in the 31st minute when Justin Bangasi set up Teng Kuol, who plays for the Marconi Stallions in Australia to open the scoring.
Bangasi doubled the lead in the 49th minute, finishing off a move orchestrated by Keer Majak, who was instrumental throughout the contest.
Majak then turned provider again in the 66th minute, setting up Peter Manyang to make it 3-0 and effectively put the result beyond doubt.
The South Sudan Premier League leaders El Merriekh SC Bentiu forward capped off an impressive individual display by scoring South Sudan’s fourth goal in the 81st minute, sealing a comprehensive victory.
In the 49th minute, Bangasi Bakasoro doubled the lead, putting Djibouti in serious trouble. The home side, completely overwhelmed, conceded a third goal in the 66th minute, struck by Peter Maker Manyang, who hammered in the final nail.
The attacking showcase continued until the 81st minute, when Majak added a fourth to seal a resounding victory.
The result gives South Sudan a significant advantage in their bid to reach the group stage of the qualifiers, leaving Djibouti with a mountain to climb in the second leg.
Seychelles hold Lesotho in Bloemfontein
Meanwhile in the other match played on Thursday in Bloemfontein, Seychelles and Lesotho played out to a goalless draw at the Free State Stadium.
The return leg will be played at thje same venue in the neutral venue in the South African city on Sunday.
The matches forms part of the opening round of qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027, with the lowest-ranked teams competing for six places in the next stage.