South Sudan Forces a Draw Against Sudan in a Fierce Battle at Martyrs of Benina Stadium

Juba / Arop Jongchol

South Sudan secured a valuable 1-1 draw against Sudan in the sixth round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The match between the neighboring teams was held last night at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.

The two teams entered the game with different ambitions. The hosts, the Falcons of Jediane, aimed for a victory to strengthen their position at the top of the group, while the Bright Stars were seeking their first win in the qualifiers.

The first half ended in a goalless draw.

After the break, Sudan took the lead in the 76th minute through forward Mohamed Issa, who capitalized on a rebound from South Sudanese goalkeeper Majak Mawith.

However, in the eighth minute of stoppage time, substitute David Sebit equalized for South Sudan with a stunning bicycle kick into an empty net after Sudanese goalkeeper Ali Abu Eshrein failed to hold onto a cross.

With this result, Sudan’s qualification hopes became more complicated as they dropped to third place in Group B, tied with Senegal on 12 points. Meanwhile, DR Congo climbed to the top of the standings.

South Sudan now has three points, sitting behind fourth-placed Togo and ahead of Mauritania, who are at the bottom of the group.

The next two rounds of the qualifiers (seventh and eighth) will take place in September, while the qualifiers will conclude in October 2025 with the ninth and tenth rounds.

The top team from each group in the African qualifiers will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.