S. Sudan defeats Equatorial Guinea in first continental game
September 5, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese national football team defeated Equatorial Guinea by a single goal in its first ever competitive match played Saturday.
![South Sudan national football team during a past tournament [©AFP]](https://sudantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/jpg_SS_Football_PS.jpg "South Sudan national football team during a past tournament [©AFP]")
“The victory for Bright Stars by beating overwhelmingly favorites Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in their AFCON 2017 qualifying match is historic,” said James Okech.
Atak Lual, who plays for Al-Ahli Shendi in Sudan, broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. It was the first competitive match played in South Sudan and the country’s first win in a major tournament.
“Fantastic win Bright Stars, you have done your country proud,” said a local media on its social media site, referring to the national team by it official name.
“Bravo brother (goal scorer) Atak Lual. You saved and served the nation and we will always continue to save and serve this nation. It ours and we must keep on giving all what it needs from us. Let’s look forward to serve this country in every capacity whenever, wherever and forever,” Noble Arem Riak, an ardent fan posted on facebook.
“I am really happy for being at the stadium to witness how sports can unite us,” said another.
The Bright Stars now have three points and can qualify if they win their remaining fixtures.
According to the latest Federation of International Football Association (FIFA)- Coca-Cola world rankings, South Sudan is placed at 198 while Equatorial Guinea stands at 63.
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