By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan
Juba, South Sudan - South Sudan’s provisional squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers has increased to 50 players following the late inclusion of defender Tang Tong Yik and Jamus SC midfielder Joseph Malish, popularly known as Magong.
Head coach Christian N'Sengi-Biembe on Thursday initially released a 48-man provisional squad as South Sudan prepare for their upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, which includes an away fixture against Malawi and a home meeting with Egypt.
The squad was later on Thursday updated with the addition of Tang Tong Yik.
However, details of his current club were not disclosed in the published squad information.
A second addition followed with the inclusion of Jamus SC midfielder Joseph Malish, taking the number of players on the provisional list to 50.
SSFF squad number creates confusion
Despite the two additions, the accompanying information published on the South Sudan Football Association (SSFF) page continues to describe the selection as a 48-player provisional squad.
The discrepancy between the number stated in the announcement and the names currently appearing on the squad list has left some supporters and members of the media seeking clarification from the federation.
At the time of publication, SSFF had not publicly explained the difference.
Malish earns national-team recognition
The midfielder has had a limited role at club level since the start of the 2026/27 campaign, featuring as an unused substitute during Jamus SC’s CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign and remaining on the bench for the club’s opening Premier League fixture.
However, Magong made his presence felt in Week 2.
Introduced in the second half with Jamus locked at 1-1 against Super Cup champions Al Ghazala SC, the midfielder immediately brought greater attacking impetus to the game.
He played a key role in Jamus’ second goal, setting up Jude Ssemugabi to put the Buffaloes ahead.
Magong was involved again in the build-up to the third. His long pass found Dhata Joseph, who delivered a first-time cross for Ssemugabi to finish and complete his brace.
Malish’s inclusion comes after that encouraging performances for Jamus SC, against Al Ghazala SC in the South Sudan Premier League.
Sports Hunter South Sudan also observed SSFF Board of Directors member Thiong John speaking with Malish following the midfielder’s performance against Al Ghazala.
However, there is currently no confirmation or evidence that the conversation influenced Malish’s selection for the national team, and any connection between the two events remains unverified.
The inclusion nevertheless marks a significant step for the Jamus SC midfielder, who now has an opportunity to compete for a place in South Sudan’s final squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
South Sudan prepare for Malawi and Egypt
The Bright Stars are preparing for a challenging qualifying campaign, with Malawi away and Egypt at home among their upcoming fixtures.
The final squad is expected to be trimmed from the provisional list before the competitive matches, with the latest additions adding further competition for places within N'Sengi-Biembe’s squad.
For now, the key question surrounding the selection is whether the SSFF will clarify the 48-player figure still appearing in its published information, despite the provisional list now containing 50 names.
