In the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON U20 at the Suez Canal Stadium of Ismailia, Congo overcame a late scare to defeat South Sudan, who was making its debut, 2-1.

The Red Devils took a 2-0 lead into halftime thanks to goals on either side of it before South Sudan answered in the last minutes of play.

Despite having to make an early substitute due to the injury to defender Sarfino Lado, the South Sudanese played with a lot of passion on their big day as they made their tournament debut.

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The first genuine opportunity of the game was handed to Bright Stars forward Felix Abishai at the Suez Canal Stadium under the lights.

With a low shot to the near post, the lanky striker forced Christophe Wamba into a save.

The Red Devils took control of the game and had the majority of the first half’s possession, but they lacked the creativity to pose a threat to South Sudan goalkeeper Simon Yogusuk.

On the cusp of halftime, Bassinga gave Congo the lead with a close-range finish against the flow of play. With a poacher’s finish, the game’s MVP slid the ball past Yogusuk.

Following Captain Ngongara’s foul in the area, Sousssou Ilendo doubled Congo’s lead from the penalty spot.

Paul Mara scored a goal for South Sudan with seven minutes remaining in the game.

South Sudan’s first-ever goal at the competition came from the crafty winger, who made a cut inside the Congolese penalty area before shooting across Wamba’s near post.

Atiki Abiaza’s fierce low effort that hit the side netting of the Red Devils goal gave the debutants a late chance to tie the game.

The team led by Marie Joseph Madienguela managed to hold on and earn the victory, joining Uganda at the top of Group B.