Madagascar Survive Late South Sudan Scare in Olympic Qualifier Draw

 

The Bright Starlets celebrate Joan Adong's equalizer against Madagascar during the CAF Women's Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Qualifier at Juba National Stadium on 6 June 2026.

By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan 

JUBA, South Sudan – Madagascar held on for a 1-1 draw against South Sudan in the first leg of the CAF Women’s Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Qualifiers at Juba National Stadium on Saturday evening.

The visitors made a bright start and were rewarded in the 18th minute when winger Razananivo finished off a well-worked move to give Madagascar the lead. The Barea Ladies exploited space down the right flank before Razananivo clinically found the top corner beyond South Sudan goalkeeper Nawal Isaac.

Trailing by a goal, South Sudan head coach Senderella Mathew Sebit responded with tactical changes before halftime, introducing experienced full-back Amadria Filda and defender Amarotwot Sharon. The substitutions helped stabilize the Bright Starlets' backline and shift momentum in favor of the hosts.

South Sudan grew into the contest and came close to finding an equalizer before the break, with Alworonga Debora and Esther Poni both threatening the Madagascar defense. However, the visitors carried their slender 1-0 advantage into halftime.

The Bright Starlets emerged from the interval with renewed energy, pressing higher up the pitch and creating a series of chances. Their persistence paid off when Joan Adong curled home a superb left-footed free-kick to level the scores.

South Sudan pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages. Joan Adong came agonizingly close to completing her brace when her effort struck the crossbar, while Esther Poni missed a golden opportunity from close range as Madagascar survived sustained pressure from the hosts.

Despite their strong second-half performance, South Sudan were forced to settle for a draw, leaving the tie finely balanced heading into the return leg.

The two nations, meeting for the first time in a competitive fixture, will face off again at Juba National Stadium on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. The winner on aggregate will advance to the next round of the Olympic qualifiers, where South Africa await.

Result: South Sudan 1-1 Madagascar
Scorers: Joan Adong (South Sudan); Razananivo (Madagascar)
Competition: CAF Women's Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Qualifiers
Venue: Juba National Stadium