Gambia scored a late goal to defeat a stubborn South Sudan side 3-2 in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Suez Canal Stadium on Wednesday.

It was the visiting Gambian side, who took a deserved lead with only four minutes played when under pressure defender Rehan Angier scored into his own net but Valentino Yuel, who features for Aluminium Arak levelled matters for South Sudan in the 21st minute.

Ablie Jallow, who features for Ligue 2 club Metz, then hit the back of the net to put Gambia ahead in the 62nd minute after his powerful effort whizzed past South Sudan goalkeeper Ramadan John Mayek Diing.

However, at the stroke of full time, South Sudan drew level when Chol Peter Bentiu Daniel scored past Baboucarr Gaye to give his side some hope of earning a vital point but Gambia never gave up as they scored through substitute Hamza Barry to win the closely fought contest.

The victory means Gambia under coach Tom Saintfiet, moved level on nine points with leaders Mali at the top of Group G, while South Sudan remained fourth on four points and DR Congo third on six points.

Gambia will now host Congo in their next fixture on September 4, the same day South Sudan will visit Mali at Stade du 26 Mars.