Bright Stars Suffer 5-0 Setback in Juba
A packed Juba National Stadium fell silent on Friday as Senegal cruised to a 5-0 victory over South Sudan in a World Cup qualifier, recording the heaviest home defeat in the Bright Stars’ brief international history.
Public Outcry Echoes Across South Sudan
Within hours, social media feeds filled with frustration as supporters demanded answers, blaming tactical naivety and lapses in discipline for the collapse. Veteran fan Stephen Wani wrote that the team “looked overwhelmed from kickoff”, capturing the prevailing mood.
SSFF Apology and Accountability Measures
On Saturday the South Sudan Football Federation issued a formal apology, acknowledging “unsatisfactory results” and vowing to restore supporters’ trust through professionalism, discipline and transparency.
The federation suspended head coach Stefano Cusin for fifteen days, citing a breach of Article N(3) of his contract, and appointed an independent committee to investigate his conduct and recommend further action within two weeks.
Group B Standings Paint Stark Picture
Senegal tops the five-team group with 21 points, trailed by the Democratic Republic of Congo on 19. South Sudan languishes in last place with four, below Sudan on 13 and Mauritania and Togo, who share seven points each.
Slim Hopes Ahead of Togo Clash
South Sudan hosts Togo on 13 October and requires an emphatic win to avoid a bottom-place finish. Only group winners qualify automatically, while runners-up enter a playoff pathway, leaving the Bright Stars’ inaugural World Cup dream hanging by a thread.
Federation president Augustino Maduot says, “We must learn fast and fight harder; the nation expects resilience,” underscoring a resolve that supporters hope will translate into results on the pitch.