South Sudan’s Bright Stars suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to DR Congo in Juba on Thursday, a result that tightened the Leopards’ grip at the top of their World Cup qualifying group.
Cedric Bakambu put the visitors ahead early, striking twice in the 13th and 34th minutes to silence the home crowd.
The Real Betis forward’s clinical finishing left the Bright Stars chasing shadows before Nathanael Mbuku, of Ligue 2 side Montpellier, added a third just before halftime with an assist from Newcastle United’s new signing Yoane Wissa.
The Congolese dominance continued after the break. Wissa, who had been lively throughout, got on the scoresheet himself in the 56th minute to make it 4-0, effectively ending any hopes of a South Sudanese fightback.
The Bright Stars managed a late consolation through El Merriekh Bentiu striker Keer Mangar, but it was not enough to lift the mood among the disappointed home fans.
DR Congo’s victory took them to 16 points at the summit of Group B, one clear of second-placed Senegal on 15. Sudan remains third with 12 points, followed by Mauritania on 5, Togo on 4 and South Sudan bottom with 3 points from seven games.
The defeat leaves South Sudan’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread as they prepare to face Mauritania on September 9.
Meanwhile, DR Congo will test their top spot in a crunch clash against Senegal.
