Heavy rain disrupts South Sudan’s World Cup debut

October 8, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s first ever participation in a World Cup qualifier prematurely ended when heavy rains halted play just after about 10 minutes in the capital, Juba.

The match with Mauritania was in preparation for the 2018 World Cup tournament due in Russia.

It was however the visitors who had taken a third minute lead through Bagili Boubacar before the South Sudanese equalised two minutes later, courtesy of Dominic Abui Pretino’s lone strike.

The match will, according to the world football governing body (FIFA), be replayed on 8 October. The second leg of the game will be played in Nouakchott, Mauritania on Tuesday next week.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, became a recognised FIFA member in 2012.

(ST)