South Sudan's blind football squad secured its first international championship by defeating Uganda 3-0 in the African Championship Division 2 final held in Kampala. Captain Martin Ladu Paul netted twice while striker Yona Sabri Ellon added another goal for the Bright Stars, who had only begun playing the sport five years earlier with just two participants.
Head coach Simon Madol told reporters the victory represented an extraordinary achievement for a program launched with support from the UEFA Foundation and Light for the World. The team faced early obstacles, including pandemic disruptions and limited access to suitable facilities, forcing players to practice on hired private grounds equipped with the level surfaces and side boards required for the sport. Defender Allison Christopher acknowledged initial difficulties but credited persistence in overcoming those challenges.
The championship win advances South Sudan to Division 1 competition and brings the squad closer to potential qualification for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Madol indicated that training frequency must increase from weekly sessions to four times weekly as opponents become more formidable.
Head coach Simon Madol told reporters the victory represented an extraordinary achievement for a program launched with support from the UEFA Foundation and Light for the World. The team faced early obstacles, including pandemic disruptions and limited access to suitable facilities, forcing players to practice on hired private grounds equipped with the level surfaces and side boards required for the sport. Defender Allison Christopher acknowledged initial difficulties but credited persistence in overcoming those challenges.
The championship win advances South Sudan to Division 1 competition and brings the squad closer to potential qualification for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Madol indicated that training frequency must increase from weekly sessions to four times weekly as opponents become more formidable.
