Malawi U-20 Women Stun Bright Starlets 2-0 in Juba — South Sudan Face Uphill Battle in Return Leg

Malawi U-20 Women Stun Bright Starlets 2-0 in Juba — South Sudan Face Uphill Battle in Return Leg

By Emalex Brown | Sports Hunter South Sudan

The Bright Starlets U-20 suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Malawi’s U-20 Women’s National Team in the first leg of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers held on Tuesday at the Juba National Stadium.

The visitors took the lead in the 36th minute when Enelesi Fabiano capitalized on a well-coordinated attacking move to put Malawi ahead. Despite spirited efforts from South Sudan to find a way back into the game, Malawi doubled their advantage in the 64th minute through Sarah Mulibika, who finished with precise cross into the net after a period of sustained pressure.

South Sudan showed flashes of promise in the second half, with several forward runs, but the breakthrough never came. Malawi’s disciplined defensive shape proved difficult to break down, and the visitors held on for a clean sheet and a crucial away win.

This result puts Malawi in the driving seat ahead of the second leg, which will also be played at the Juba National Stadium on Friday, 26th September at 3:00 PM. The Bright Starlets will need to overturn a two-goal deficit if they are to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Head coach of South Sudan, alongside the technical team, is expected to make key adjustments in Friday’s encounter as they look to inspire a comeback in front of the home crowd.