South Sudan has been knocked out of contention for a place in the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 3 – 0 loss against Mali in the second leg of the two nations’ pre-qualifier played at the Juba Football Stadium last .

The tough 3-0 loss against Mali on Saturday, which confirmed that they have been knocked from qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.

New coach Leo Adraa fielded a side featuring two fresh faces, with Robert Wurube starting in midfield and Deng Magik coming on as a substitute. Also returning to the team was Edmond Amadeo, with the Hilal Juba defender receiving his first cap since the 2013 CECAFA Cup.

Mali had an almost full-strength side, with their three goalscorers all playing in some of the world’s highest leagues. South Sudan’s defence struggled to contain Mali from the beginning of the match, and it would always be a difficult task considering the difference in strength of the two sides.

While it will be another learning experience for the Bright Stars, they will be hoping to get a positive result from the final qualifying match against Equatorial Guinea in early September.

Via AMS Clothing