Teenager Keer Majak inspired South Sudan to a commanding 4-0 victory over Djibouti in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary qualifier first leg.
The 19-year-old winger dazzled supporters in Juba, scoring once and assisting twice as South Sudan dominated proceedings at the national stadium on Thursday evening.
Majak’s performance followed another teenage highlight this week, after Eritrea’s Siem Eyob-Abraha scored directly from a corner during a 2-0 victory over Eswatini.
South Sudan seized early control when Teng Kuol struck after 31 minutes, rewarding relentless pressure that left Djibouti struggling against their opponents’ pace and movement.
Bangasi Bakosoro and Peter Maker extended the advantage midway through the second half, stretching the contest beyond Djibouti’s reach as confidence surged among home supporters.
Majak sealed the emphatic win in the 81st minute, finishing calmly to crown a performance that underlined his growing importance to the national side.
The result marked a promising debut for Cameroonian coach Cyprian Besong Ashu, recently appointed following the departure of French tactician Nicolas Dupuis.
Djibouti surrendered home advantage because they lack an international-standard stadium, allowing South Sudan to host both legs, with the return fixture scheduled for Sunday.
Elsewhere, Seychelles secured a surprising 0-0 draw against Lesotho in Bloemfontein, where determined defending frustrated repeated attacking efforts throughout a tense encounter.
Lesotho struggled with poor finishing despite sustained pressure, while Seychelles relied on disciplined organisation to preserve a rare clean sheet against African opposition.
The draw extended Seychelles’ winless streak against African teams to 62 matches, their last victory coming in March 2016 with a 2-0 home win over Lesotho.
Neither Seychelles nor Lesotho possess approved international venues, meaning both legs will be played in Bloemfontein before aggregate winners advance to September’s group phase.
