Bright Star Look to Shine at Home as South Sudan Host DR Congo in Crucial World Cup Qualifier

Bright Star Look to Shine at Home as South Sudan Host DR Congo in Crucial World Cup Qualifier

By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan | Juba, South Sudan –5th Sept, 2025 

South Sudan will aim to finally ignite their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when they face Group B leaders DR Congo at the Juba National Stadium today, Friday, September 5, 2025.

The fixture is not only pivotal in terms of group standings — it also marks a symbolic moment for the Bright Stars as they continue to settle into their newly renovated national stadium, seeking their first-ever World Cup qualifying win on home soil, (after the renovation).

Tough Start to the Campaign

South Sudan's journey in the qualifiers has been a challenging one. It began with a 4-0 defeat to African champions Senegal on November 18, 2023, in Diamniadio at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade. Just three days later, they bounced back defensively to earn a 0-0 draw against Mauritania at the same venue — securing their only clean sheet of the campaign.

Their third fixture, away in Lomé against Togo, ended in a 1-1 draw. After Nana Narey put the hosts ahead in the 61st minute, South Sudan found an equalizer just seven minutes later through a dramatic own goal by Roger Aholou.

Returning home for the first time in the qualifiers, the Bright Stars hoped to deliver a strong performance in front of their fans. However, they were soundly beaten 3-0 by Sudan on June 11, 2024, in their Juba National Stadium debut — a disappointing result that dampened the festive atmosphere of the reopening.

That was followed by a 1-0 away defeat to DR Congo on March 21, 2025, in Kinshasa. The Leopards took all three points in a tight affair at the Stade des Martyrs.

Just four days later, South Sudan showed resilience in a 1-1 draw against Sudan at a neutral venue — the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Libya. Mohammed Eisa looked to have won it for Sudan in the 76th minute, but Omot Sebit salvaged a point with a dramatic equalizer deep into stoppage time (90+8’).

Group B Standings & Scenario

With six games played, South Sudan sit 5th in Group B with 3 points from three draws and three defeats, and are just one point above bottom-placed Mauritania. They have scored 2 goals, conceded 10, and kept only one clean sheet — raising concerns over both ends of the pitch.

A win against DR Congo, who currently lead the group with 13 points, would not only mark a historic first World Cup qualifying victory for South Sudan, but also see them leapfrog Togo into 4th place — reigniting slim hopes of challenging for qualification or a best-runner-up finish.

Coach Dupuis Eyes Breakthrough

Speaking at a pre-match press conference held at the Juba National Stadium on Thursday, South Sudan head coach Nicolas Dupuis expressed optimism about his team’s chances:

“We’ve been working hard and preparing for this moment. The players are focused, motivated, and fully aware of what’s at stake. We are ready to deliver an outstanding performance for the people of South Sudan.”

With a resilient midfield, a battling spirit, and the crowd at Juba behind them, South Sudan will hope to defy the odds and halt DR Congo's charge at the top.