World Cup (Q): South Sudan showed commitment in Togo draw – James Yor

In a commendable display of determination, South Sudan national team interim coach Simon James Yor lauded his team’s performance following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Togo during their final qualifier of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Juba Stadium on Monday.

Despite the lack of goals, Yor emphasised the players’ commitment and resilience, highlighting their ability to create numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match.

The hosts’ Majak Mawith was the busier of the two goalkeepers, producing a number of good saves, including a fine one-handed stop from Kevin Boma’s low effort from the right of the box midway through the second half.

Substitute Innocent Ronald missed arguably the best chance of the game shortly after coming on at a noisy Juba Stadium, when he side-footed wide of the target from 10 yards out with only Togo’s keeper Steven Mensah to beat.

South Sudan players gave their all despite draw

“We may not have found the back of the net today, but the boys have given their all,” Yor told reporters after the game. “It was crucial for us to provide a chance for players who seldom play, allowing them to showcase their talents and contribute to the team’s effort.”

The match served not only as an opportunity for player development but also as a critical evaluation for Yor, who is focused on identifying areas for improvement ahead of the Arab FIFA World Cup scheduled for November in Qatar.

He added: “This game has allowed me to pinpoint our weaknesses. Moving forward, our goal is to build a stronger, more cohesive unit that can compete effectively on the world stage.”

With the Arab FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Bright Stars are determined to leverage this experience to bolster their squad and aim for success on an international level.