FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Togo held by resilient South Sudan

by
Collins Okinyo
June 6, 2024

Togo remain undefeated in Group B of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after they played out to a 1-1 draw with South Sudan at the Stade de Kegue on Wednesday, June 5.

Paulo Duarte’s side extended their unbeaten run on home soil to 12 matches as they moved level on three points with DR Congo, who are due to face group leaders Senegal later on June 6.

The Bright Stars climbed above Mauritania up to fifth place after picking up their second point, but that could all change when the Lions of Chinguetti host Sudan 24 hours later.

Togo bossed possession in the first half and created the majority of the chances, although they only managed to test Juma Awad on one occasion and were guilty of missing the target five times.

Steven Mensah was also required to make one save in the opening 45 minutes, but the visitors were restricted to just three attempts before half-time and would have been happy to go into the break at level pegging.

The hosts eventually made the breakthrough 16 minutes into the second half as Khaled Narey bagged his first competitive goal for the Sparrowhawks, with Kodjo Laba making an immediate impact off the bench after providing the assist.

However, their lead lasted just seven minutes as Nicolas Dupuis’ side equalised against the run of play when Roger Aholou inadvertently put the ball past his own goalkeeper to restore parity.

Togo had opportunities to win the game in the closing stages, but Awad stood firm in the visiting goal to earn his team a share of the spoils.

Togo (0) 1 (Narey 61′)

South Sudan (0) 1 (Aholou 68′ OG)

Togo: S. Mensah, L. Bessile (K. Agbozo 16′), K. Boma, A. Romao, R. Aholou (Y. Annor 88′), D. Karim, I. Bebou, K. Narey, K. Denkey, M. Tchakei, K. Aziangbe (K. Laba 57′).

South Sudan: J. Awad, P. Maker, R. Toha, J. Dhata, S. Taban, P. Chol, J. Morgan (P. Mara 66′), C. Ouma (G. Wahab 60′), T. Okello (J. Malish Manase 79′), V. Yuel, E. Loki.

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Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com