By Miyong Kuon,
June 6, 2016(Nyamilepedia) ——- South Sudan’s national football team was a symbol of unity last weekend when they faced Mali in the African Cup of nations qualifying game for next year final in Gabon. Though their effort was a losing battle against the Les Aigles, the group C leaders, the bright stars sent out a clear message to the world-football  that South Sudan is a team to be reckoned with.
They are playing regular professional football at the African cup of nations qualifying games. The bright stars may have lost the game three nil but they have fought with determinations. They are the  new rising stars in the continent. Playing in front of thousands of fans; one of the most noticeable fan at the game was the country’s first vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny. He was the biggest fan as he sheered on the bright stars from the start to the end at Juba national stadium.
The bright stars started their game plan with strings of passes. The midfield was solid but they look a bit shaky in the middle third. But they managed to frustrate the Malian striker Abdouly Diaby during the first 5 minutes into the first half time as they closed him down every time Diaby received a pass near our eighteen. He scored the opening goal on Mali side.
The first half ended in 1 goal  in favor of Mali. South Sudan, a team led by an home ground coach felt to group leaders at the end of the game. However, the bright stars have scored more goals against the enemy of peace in the country. South Sudan came together as one team supporting their national side. Couples of days before the national team play Mali, one of the major milestone in the implementation of the August Agreement was achieved at the presidency.
The President, and his two deputies met for the first time and approved a 15 members team to review the EO#36. This was very welcoming news in the country. If the three can work as a team, the most awaited peace in the country will be realized and the economy can begin to bounce back. The national team will represent the nation at the world stage with one heart while the whole nation will focus on developing the young team.
The bright stars will play Equatoria Guinea on the next fixture, a team they beat one zero the last time they played. Bright stars won the game at Juba stadium.
South Sudan has better performed in football for a young nation that has just been added into the Fifa world body couples of years ago. They have professional players ready to upset any major team.
The author of this article, Miyong Kuon, can be reached at kuayak@gmail.com
