JUBA, South Sudan — 25 August 2026 — South Sudan U-23 have been drawn against Djibouti in the first round of the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifiers, following Tuesday’s official CAF draw.
The Bright Stars will face Djibouti in a two-legged tie, with the aggregate winner advancing to the second qualifying round.
The winner of the South Sudan-Djibouti clash will then meet Senegal, who received a bye into the second round.
The qualification campaign will determine the teams that reach the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where Africa’s leading young talents will compete for continental honours.
For South Sudan, the draw provides the U-23 side with an opportunity to progress through the qualifiers and take another step towards continental recognition.
The South Sudan vs Djibouti tie will be the first hurdle on the road to Egypt, with the aggregate winner keeping their qualification hopes alive.
South Sudan U-23 will now turn their focus to Djibouti, with a place in the second qualifying round at stake.
