By Ginaba Lino | Juba
South Sudan’s Bright Stars wrapped up their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign with a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Togo on Monday afternoon, marking the end of a spirited but challenging qualifying journey for the young team.
The match, played at Juba National Stadium, was characterized by a determined defensive display from South Sudan and several missed opportunities from both sides. Despite not finding the back of the net, the Bright Stars showcased significant improvement following their heavy 5–0 defeat to Senegal earlier in the campaign.
Throughout the match, South Sudan looked more composed and tactically disciplined, particularly in midfield and defense.
Acting Head Coach Simon Yor made several changes to his line-up, introducing new and young players who displayed promise and hunger to prove themselves on the international stage.
“We had to give the players a chance,” Acting Head Coach Simon told reporters during the post-match press conference. “Some of them have been waiting for an opportunity to show what they can do. Today, they proved that South Sudan has talent, and we just need to give them more time and support.”
Simon emphasized that the result, while not ideal, was part of a broader plan to rebuild the team’s confidence and depth. “We didn’t lose anything today,” he said. “This match showed that we can compete. We are starting over, but the next time people will see a more focused and professional team.”
The coach also revealed that South Sudan is preparing for participation in the FIFA Arab Cup in November, which will serve as another vital platform to develop the team and give younger players international exposure.
Togo’s head coach Dare´ Nibombe´, who spoke in the joint press conference, expressed disappointment at his team’s inability to capitalize on numerous scoring chances, particularly in the first half.
“We are frustrated because we created many opportunities but lacked efficiency in front of goal,” the Togolese coach said. “We were the better side in terms of possession and attempts, but football is about scoring, and today we didn’t.”
Dare´ acknowledged that South Sudan’s goalkeeper and defensive line were crucial in keeping the Togolese attackers at bay. “South Sudan played with organization and heart. They defended very well and deserved this result,” he added.
He noted that Togo’s main challenge in recent matches has been poor finishing — a problem he hopes to resolve as the team looks to rebuild for upcoming competitions.
Analysts and fans in Juba praised South Sudan’s performance as one of their most balanced games in recent years.
The Bright Stars demonstrated better coordination between defense and attack, while young talents such as Mario, who was singled out by Coach Simon, showed flashes of individual brilliance.
“Mario is one of the most talented players in South Sudan,” Simon said. “He has a bright future. What we need now is to help these players grow, train professionally, and focus on the game.”
Although South Sudan finished the qualifiers without a win, their performance against Togo was seen as a positive step forward for the team’s long-term development.
As the Bright Stars shift their focus to the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup and regional competitions, Coach Simon emphasized the need for continued investment in grassroots football and better facilities.
“We are working hard to build a new generation of players who can represent our country with pride,” he said. “Football is not just about the result — it’s about the process, discipline, and teamwork.”
Togo’s coach also echoed similar sentiments, calling for greater investment in sports development across Africa. “Football today is about money and investment,” he said. “We need to develop players from a young age so that they can compete at international level.”
While the 0–0 draw means South Sudan’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to an end, the team leaves the qualifiers with renewed optimism and valuable experience. For Coach Simon and his players, the result marks not just an end, but the beginning of a rebuilding journey for South Sudanese football.