South Sudan’s Bright Stars will host Egypt’s Pharaohs on Tuesday in a crucial Group B clash of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with both sides seeking their first victory of the campaign.
The match is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Juba Stadium, where South Sudan will look to use home support and familiarity with the artificial surface to respond to its opening defeat.
The Bright Stars began their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 loss to Malawi, leaving them without a point after the opening round. Egypt, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw by Angola in Cairo and currently have one point. Malawi lead Group B with three points.
For South Sudan, Tuesday’s encounter provides an opportunity to recover from the Malawi defeat and put its qualification campaign back on track. A positive result at home would give the Bright Stars their first points in the group.
Egypt arrive in Juba looking for a stronger attacking display after failing to score against Angola. The Pharaohs are seven-time African champions and will be seeking their first win of the qualifying campaign.
One of the major talking points ahead of the match is the absence of Egypt captain Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that Salah will not play in Juba after the technical staff decided to rest him because of concerns over the artificial playing surface.
Salah started Egypt’s opening qualifier against Angola but was substituted in the second half. His absence leaves coach Hossam Hassan to find another attacking option as Egypt seek to turn their opening draw into three points.
South Sudan will also be looking to make better use of its home advantage after conceding twice against Malawi.
The Bright Stars showed their ability to respond when Stephen Joseph Dhata equalised early in the second half, but Malawi later restored its lead to secure the victory.
With Malawi already on three points and Angola and Egypt each holding one, the Juba encounter carries importance for both sides early in the six-match group campaign.
The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with the top two teams from Group B set to qualify for the tournament.
