Gambia ends South Sudan AFCON hopes with late winner

Gambia shattered South Sudan's dreams of qualifying for the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Substitute Hamza Barry emerged as the hero for Gambia, scoring a late winner in the sixth minute of added time to seal their triumph and crush South Sudan's hopes.

The clash between Gambia and South Sudan in Suez was a must-win battle for both teams, as they fought tooth and nail to keep their AFCON qualification aspirations alive.

Gambia struck in the third minute; Gambia took the lead courtesy of an unfortunate own goal by Rehan Malong as he attempted to clear a freekick from Musa Barrow.

South Sudan refused to be deterred by the setback and showed incredible resilience. In the 21st minute, Yuel Kuach found the back of the net with a powerful strike from inside the box, capitalizing on Ajak Chol's cross.

With the score level at 1-1 heading into halftime, both teams knew that the next goal could be decisive.

Gambia emerged from the break with renewed determination, and in the 61st minute, Ablie Jallow unleashed a spectacular strike to restore their lead.

As the match entered its dying moments, South Sudan conjured up a glimmer of hope. In the 91st minute, Peter Chol rose high to head home from a corner, capitalizing on a goalkeeper error as he failed to catch the ball.

With the clock ticking down and tensions reaching their peak, substitute Hamza Barry delivered a moment of magic in the sixth minute of added time.

The result propelled Gambia into second place in Group G with nine points, three clear of Congo, who are set to face group leaders Mali in their upcoming match.

Should Mali defeat Congo or play to a draw, then Guinea, who reached the quarter finals of the 2021 AFCON will seal a second consecutive appearance at the tournament finals to be held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.