Chad hands Sudan soccer team unexpected defeat at world cup qualifier

September 6, 2008 (CAIRO) – Sudan lost 2-1 to Chad in a soccer match for the 2010 World Cup in a highly unexpected outcome.

The soccer game was held today in Cairo because of growing tension between the two nations that sparked fear over the safety of the teams by the FIFA.

The match was originally scheduled for last May but after an attack on the Sudanese capital Khartoum by the Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), Sudan severed diplomatic ties with Chad,

On Saturday, Chad’s Mobin Meryouz headed in the opener in the 28th minute, and Sudan didn’t equalize until the 77th through Haytham Tambal.

In the 82nd, a shot by striker Hassan Diyallu was touched but not stopped by Sudan goalkeeper Moiz Mahjoub.

Sudan is now at the bottom of group 10 with 2 losses and one win. There are two games remaining for Sudan with Chad next week and the Congo.

(ST)