Sumaya Malili urges South Sudan fans to keep believing after Madagascar heartbreak

 Sumaya Malili urges South Sudan fans to keep believing after Madagascar heartbreak



South Sudan Women's National Team captain Sumaya Malili has called on supporters to remain patient and continue backing the Bright Starlets despite their painful elimination from the CAF Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Qualifiers.

Speaking during the post-match press conference following South Sudan's 1-0 defeat to Madagascar at Juba National Stadium on Tuesday, Malili admitted the result was difficult to accept but insisted the team has made significant progress and is determined to keep improving.

"It wasn't our day. This is football. There are always different outcomes in the game, and today we received one that didn't go our way."

The captain urged fans not to lose faith in the team, emphasizing that the players remain committed to the long-term development of women's football in South Sudan.

"Our supporters should not give up on us because we are not going to give up. We have learned a lot from this experience, and we are ready to improve and keep moving forward."

Malili highlighted the growth shown by the current squad, pointing to the unity and fighting spirit displayed throughout the qualifying campaign.

"In the past, teams used to score many goals against us, but with this new squad we are fighting together and we are united. We have shown progress, and hopefully in the future we will be in a much better place."

Despite the disappointment of conceding a stoppage-time winner that ended South Sudan's Olympic hopes, the captain remains optimistic about what lies ahead.

"We will continue working hard to raise our flag. The support from our fans gave us the strength to give everything on the pitch, and we hope they continue standing with us. This is football, and hopefully our future is bright."

South Sudan's campaign came to an agonising end after Madagascar's R. Julie Solonilaina scored in the 90+3rd minute to send the visitors into the next round of the qualifiers.


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