CRUSHED & ELIMINATED: DR Congo Thrash South Sudan 4-1 to End Bright Stars' World Cup Dream

CRUSHED & ELIMINATED: DR Congo Thrash South Sudan 4-1 to End Bright Stars' World Cup Dream

By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan

Juba, South Sudan – South Sudan’s historic hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup were officially crushed after a heavy 4-1 defeat at home to a ruthless DR Congo side at the Juba National Stadium.

The loss means South Sudan are now mathematically eliminated from contention, with three matchdays still remaining in the African Qualifiers.

Cedric Bakambu led the charge for the Leopards, scoring twice in the opening 17 minutes. He first tapped in a cross from fullback Kayembe Gitu Joris, then doubled the lead after a slick one-two with Axel Tuanzebe.

Things went from bad to worse for the Bright Stars as Nathanael Mbuku made it 3-0 with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box — set up by Yoane Wissa — just before halftime.

Desperate for a turnaround, South Sudan’s head coach Nicolas Dupuis introduced Chol Bentiu and Keer Mangar after the break. But DR Congo continued their dominance.

In the 56th minute, Wissa, who had earlier provided an assist, turned scorer — calmly finishing after receiving a long ball from Bakambu, making it 4-0 and effectively sealing the contest.

South Sudan did manage a late consolation through Keer Mangar, who tapped in from a brilliant Samuel Taban cross in the 68th minute, but it was far too late to inspire any real comeback.

 Group B Implications:

DR Congo now sit top of Group B with 16 points, in a strong position to claim one of the direct spots to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South Sudan remain second from bottom and are still winless after 5 defeats in 7 matches under coach Nicolas Dupuis.

They could drop to bottom of the group if Mauritania beat Togo in their next fixture.

 End of the Road for South Sudan

Despite a spirited campaign, the Bright Stars are out of the running for their first-ever World Cup qualification, leaving fans disappointed but hopeful for growth in the future.