Dhata decisive as South Sudan reach the group stages of the AFCON qualifiers

NEC FC right wingback Joseph Dhata Stephen Lujang's first leg goal against Sao Tome and Principe was pivotal as South Sudan progressed from the preliminary rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

His goal on enemy territory as the two drew one-all was all South Sudan needed to hit the group stages of the qualifiers of the 2025 edition.

The 1-1 draw was followed with a barren stalemate on Tuesday as South Sudan hosted in Morocco, to squeeze through, courtesy of the away goals rule.

Prior to the games, Dhata had netted nine goals for NEC, albeit, operating as a right wingback.

He has scored six and three goals in the Uganda Premier League and Stanbic Uganda Cup, respectively.

Meanwhile, his club teammate Gadafi Wahab also featured in the qualification, was were former UPL players Tito Okello and Rashid Toha.

• Eswatini 2-2 Somalia | Agg: 5-2

• ⁠Mauritius 1-2 Chad | Agg: 1-3

• ⁠Liberia 0-0 Djibouti | Agg: 2-0

• ⁠South Sudan 0-0 São Tomé and Principe | Agg: 1-1

The following countries are through to the next stage of the qualifiers:

• Eswatini

• Chad

• Liberia

• South Sudan