South Sudan forward Paul Mara Jawa won a penalty and converted duly against the Central African Republic (CAR) to help the Young Bright Stars a historic 1-0 victory and their first ever win at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The diminutive winger was brought down in the area under the challenge of Fanuel Franck Koyakogue and he made no mistake when the referee pointed to the spot to give his team the lead.
The debutants had a good start at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia inspired by their hope to make history following their defeat to Congo in the first match of Group B.
South Sudan controlled possession in the opening exchanges of the clash as both teams fought to get their campaigns back on track. In the end, Peter James and his troops recorded the famous and historic win through star winger Mara who scored his second of the tournament.
Elsewhere, the Hippos of Uganda played an entertaining 2-2 draw with 10-men Congo in the top-of-the-table clash in Group B of the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.
The two teams won their opening matches with similar 2-1 scoreline against the Central African Republic and South Sudan, respectively, at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.
Jackson Mayanja’s side fell behind after six minutes when Josna Loulendo headed home Prince Aldy Soussou Ilendo’s corner at the near post.
Uganda restored parity through Titus Ssematimba close range goal following a goalkeeping mistake by Christophe Wamba. The young goalie failed to deal with Rogers Mugisha’s freekick allowing the midfielder to convert the equaliser on 11 minutes.
The Hippos also scored another goal through Saidi Mayanja close range finish from captain Isma Mugulusi’s perfectly timed layoff.
The Young Red Devils were reduced to ten men following the second booking of captain Claude Ngongara on first half stoppage time. Both teams chased after the next goal of the game at the resumption of the second half as Uganda striker Paul Dembe missed two glorious two opportunities to put the match to bed.
The Red Devils drew level from another set piece this time Prince Mombouli heading past Magada. The Hippos were caught flat-footed again allowing the defensive midfielder to snatch a point for Congo 18 minutes from the end of the game.
Both sides pushed in the closing stages to find the winner neither was able to score with Issa Bugembe coming close for Uganda while Soussou dragged a shot wide.
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