Ugandan exports shine as South Sudan beat Kenya in friendly

Okello made the hosts pay for their mistakes after latching on a defensive error to grab the winner two minutes into the game.

Defender Joseph Okumu’s poor pass to the goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo was intercepted by Okello, who thrust into the box and fired past the helpless custodian.

Former Arua Hill, Vipers and Onduparaka centre-back Rashid Toha started for South Sudan and was key in keeping Kenyan captain Michael Olunga at bay.

NEC FC’s defender Joseph Stephen Dhata and Christopher Atendele (Arua Hill) started the game alongside Toha and Okello.

Soltilo Bright Stars’ forward Emmanuel Loki, former BUL FC winger Ivan Wani, Arua Hill’s goalie Richard Anyama and Innocent Media started from the bench.

South Sudan was returning from an unfruitful 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Kenya was playing their first official match on home soil since FIFA lifted their ban in November last year.

The Harambee Stars were fresh from beating 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar in another friendly in the Middle East.