SSFF says no stadium fence damage during Egypt match

The South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) has dismissed reports that football fans broke through the perimeter fence at Juba National Stadium during Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between South Sudan and Egypt.

During the match, security personnel were seen pushing back fans outside the stadium as they attempted to enter the venue.

Video footage shared online also showed some fans appearing to break through a metal bar gate while trying to gain entry.

Fans appear to force their way through a gate at Juba National Stadium during the South Sudan-Egypt match, in this footage shared online.

However, the federation spokesperson Abraham Ajuk Kuol said an assessment of the stadium found no damage to the fence or gates.

“Well, as far as we have the report beforehand, we have the assessment of the stadium and many people can attest to this. There’s no broken part, whether the gate or the fence. Nothing of the sort,” he said.

Ajuk urged football fans to arrive at stadiums early ahead of matches to help improve crowd management and ensure supporters can be safely accommodated inside the venue.

He said early arrival and better preparation would also help reduce congestion around stadium entrances.

The South Sudan Bright Stars lost 5:0 to Egypt, marking their second loss in the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.