South Africa have qualified for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco without even kicking the ball — thanks to Congo’s 3-2 shock defeat to South Sudan on Thursday afternoon.
The result means Congo can only get to seven points in Group K if they beat Uganda in their last match at home on Tuesday, one point short of matching Bafana Bafana’s present eight.
In an action-packed game at Juba National Stadium, Congo showed resilience, overturning a 2-1 deficit to secure a crucial victory and spark massive jubilation among the home fans.
The Group K result means, Uganda leads the group with 10 points, followed by South Africa with eight. South Sudan’s victory brings them to three points, just behind Congo on four points.
With just one match remaining, third-placed Congo cannot overtake Uganda and South Africa paving the way for the top two countries to qualify for the 2025 TotalEnergies AFCON in Morocco.
It was Congo that showed the determination to win the match and opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Christopher Ibayi headed home from close range.
South Sudan quickly responded through Ebon Malish in the 31st minute, leveling the game with a powerful header.
However, Congo regained their lead just four minutes later, as Ibayi scored his second with a well-taken shot from a tight angle.
South Sudan fought back fiercely, and Malish equalized once again in the 45+2′ minute, heading in a cross from William Gama.
With momentum on their side, South Sudan continued to press in the second half. The turning point came in the 78th minute, as Bryan Passi of Congo received a red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
In the 84th minute, substitute Data Elly scored the winning goal with a clinical finish, securing South Sudan’s first win of the campaign.
This result boosts their standings, as they now sit one point behind Congo in Group K.
