TotalEnergies AFCON U-20: South Sudan fired up to face neighbours Uganda

South Sudan will wrap up their TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations group stage with a derby match against Uganda on Sunday at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.

The Bright Stars recovered from their defeat against Congo to beat the Central African Republic 1-0 in Ismailia to secure their first ever points of the tournament.

Peter James’ charges have a realistic chance of making the last eight of the tournament in Egypt but he expects a tough match against the Hippos.

“Uganda is our neighbor and it’s going to be a derby and a brotherhood game,” said James.

“When our stadium was under construction all our national teams’ matches were played in Uganda.

“We like their style and the way they play the game so I think the fans will enjoy the game.”

The East Africa derby will see players from both sides facing their friends as some of the South Sudanese players ply their trade across the border in Uganda.

“South Sudan and Uganda is always a special game due to many reasons. In terms of culture it is the same culture between the two teams,” Bright Stars coach Peter James said.

“Most of the players know each other because they have been playing together either in school or in their clubs, so they know the details of each other.”

James was joined at the press conference by defender Daniel Bichok who starred in South Sudan’s historic victory over the Central African Republic.

“The boys at the camp are very much ready, we have prepared well and we hope to do our best tomorrow because Uganda are our neighbors,” Daniel said.

“We have played several matches against them which is good and we know each other well. It will be an amazing moment watching the teams from East Africa showcasing their talents.

“I know them pretty well because I played against them several times and it’s also a joy to play against my friends so we are hoping to have a nice game tomorrow.”

The Bright Stars defender says their national Basketball team’s qualification to Fiba Basketball World Cup serves as motivation to the team.

“We’re motivated by the fact that our national Basketball team yesterday qualified to the Basketball World Cup,” Daniel told journalists.

“It has really motivated us and it has boosted our morale in the camp and we also want to make our families and our people back at home very happy and qualify for the next round.”