In a recent FIFA match, South Sudan’s National Football Team celebrated a significant away win over Kenya’s Harambee Stars. This victory serves as a comforting balm for the fans still reeling from the Bright Stars’ exit from AFCON, where they suffered a 4:0 defeat at the hands of Mali in Bamako.
South Sudan seized the lead early in the game, with Tito Okello, formerly of an Iranian club, netting a goal just 8 minutes into the match. Stellar goalkeeping by Bright Stars’ Gabriel further solidified their position, as he thwarted numerous attempts by the Kenyan side to score.
The euphoria of the win against Kenya at the Kasarani Stadium resonated especially among fans, who vented their disappointment on social media after South Sudan’s elimination from AFCON. This friendly match was part of the FIFA international break and is likely to influence the FIFA rankings of both teams.
Remarkably, the Bright Stars managed to shine even in the face of encouragement from President William Ruto of Kenya, who had urged Kenyans to rally behind the Harambee Stars. President Ruto’s video plea, shared widely on social media, called for support to sustain the team’s momentum, especially after their win against Qatar the previous week.
This match marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time South Sudan triumphed over Kenya in Nairobi, despite their several encounters in past regional games. The friendly sets a positive tone for the Bright Stars as they prepare for the World Cup qualifications next month.
