“We are ready” – Bright Stars coach confident ahead of Egypt clash

The coach of the national team says the Bright Stars are ready to take on Egypt in a crucial Group B AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifier, with the team looking to bounce back from its opening-match defeat to Malawi.

The Bright Stars will play their second qualifier at Juba National Stadium at 3:00pm today, hoping to secure their first points in the race for a place at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027.

The national team lost 2-1 to Malawi in its opening Group B match last week.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference on Monday at Juba National Stadium, Bright Stars head coach N’Sengi-Biembe said the team is ready for the encounter.

He said the players have completed four training sessions in preparation for the match.

“We have prepared and the players are ready,” the coach said, emphasizing the importance of continued support from the fans.

N’Sengi-Biembe called on South Sudanese fans to continue supporting the national team as it seeks to qualify for the 2027 AFCON finals.

He also expressed hope that the Bright Stars can qualify for the tournament, while pointing to challenges facing the team, including limited training opportunities and administrative issues.

Bright Stars captain Peter Maker said the team has learned from its opening Group B match against Malawi, where South Sudan suffered a 2–1 defeat.

Maker said the players have reviewed their mistakes and are determined to put in a stronger performance against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

The match is crucial for South Sudan’s qualification campaign, with the Bright Stars seeking a positive result to stay in contention in Group B.

After the Egypt match, South Sudan will face Angola in its next AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifying fixture.

The Bright Stars are in Group B alongside Egypt, Malawi and Angola in the race for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.