AFCON U17 Qualifiers: South Sudan, Somalia Find The Holy Grail

History has been made as two minnows; Somalia and South Sudan, pinched qualifying tickets from the hands of supposed juggernauts to qualify in the Central East zone, as ambassadors for the 2023 U17 tournament penciled for Algeria, next year.

Written off on a script that had to be the perfect ending for Tanzania and Uganda in the semis of Wednesday October 12, Somalia and South Sudan made history.

From 12 yards, 8 penalties were taken with Somalia converting all 8, while Uganda’s Nkoola was the unfortunate taker from the spot, as jubilant scenes of pure ecstasy sparked at the Abebe Bikila stadium.

At the Abebe Bakila stadium – the spoils were shared (1-1) with Somalia eventually winning Uganda 8-7 on penalties. Ssemwogerere scored the opener before Somalia’s Ah. Mohamed equalled just two minutes later.

History had just been made but that couldn’t be the end of the drama or could it? Surely not. Tanzania stepped up to
do what familiar ‘big gun’ foes Uganda missed out on.

South Sudan’s Gem had ensured his side’s early lead at the 37th minute before an equalizer by Charles at the 71st minute.

The game, just the first semis, went to the lottery of penalties with South Sudan keeping their cool despite Obama missing the first spot kick.

Mabil, Moses, Taban and Gem scored South Sudan’s remaining four while Hamisi and Charles missed for Tanzania.

Host country of the African Nations Championship 2023, Algeria, will also host the U17 AFCON scheduled from April 8 to 30, 2023.

In its 14th edition since creation, 12 teams are set to compete for the first time with 6 already on the road. Host country – Egypt, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria and Senegal, are now joined Somalia and South Sudan. 6 other teams awaited to complete the pack.