Kenyan-based South Sudanese striker Paul Jawa who plies his trade for Rainbow FC Kenya was on target as South Sudan suffered a 2-1 defeat in the hands of Congo Republic in their opening match at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.Another Kenyan-based player, Daniel Bichiok of Nairobi United played the whole length of the match, with Sofapaka’s new signing Jacob Addis watching the proceedings from the bench as South Sudan marked their debut at the competition with a loss.Two goals in either half from Deogratious Bassinga and Prince Sousou put Congo in a rather comfortable lead before Paul America Jawa made it a tense finish late on.Bassinga put Congo in the lead in the first minute of added time in the first half before Sousou slotted in a second half penalty in the 60th minute to claim victory for the Red Devils at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, Egypt.##NAJAVA_MECA_7031754##Congo, playing in an attacking 3-4-1-2 formation, started off brightly as they forced trouble to the South Sudanese backline straight after kickoff.South Sudan were then forced into an early change as defender Safrino Lado was stretchered off in the fourth minute, with Atiki Rahaman replacing him. An attempt by the lanky defender to stand up saw him stagger a couple of steps and had to be supported by his teammates before the medics were called in.As minutes ticked, so did the Congolese pressure increase, and they first came close through a Sousou header inside the 26th minute that went wide. Sousou would then find space down the right but his left foot shot went wide off Godwill Simon’s goal.The goal did come, however, after two offside calls for Congo, as Deogratious Bassinga timed his run on the left side to remain clear on goal. He made no mistake, lifting the ball past Simon and into the empty net. Davarel Diambomba made the assist.FULL-TIME! ⏰ 🇨🇬 Congo claim the 3️⃣ points against South Sudan ✅#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/xEUUzWvR62— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 20, 2023 South Sudan looked the brighter side after the break as they quickly forced Christopher Mavy to make a spectacular low-right save from what a header from his teammate – Jacques Ndecket.Things went south for South Sudan however as substitute Mabior Achiek was forced into sticking a right boot at Claude Negongara who was cutting inside the box from the right side.AFCON U20: Uganda off to a perfect start with victory over Central African RepublicThe referee had no option but to point to the spot and Sousou expertly slotted the ball into the left side with the keeper unmoved.It looked like Congo were heading to a comfortable victory until Paul America Jawa found free space down the right to dance around the last central defender to score his team’s first-ever goal in the AFCON-U20 tournament.Atiki had a good chance to equalize for South Sudan but his right-footed volley sailed over the bar.South Sudan next play the Central African Republic while Congo take on Uganda. Both fixtures will be played on Thursday 23 February at the Suez Canal stadium.
