Minister of Presidential Affairs, Dr. Barnaba Marial addressing media after receiving the Bright Stars U-20 team at Juba International Airport on Wednesday November 16, 2022 - Credit: Eye Radio/Lou Nelson

The national football team U-20 on Wednesday returned home after clutching silver medal in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

The Bright stars came in the second position, after losing to Uganda 2:1.

Despite failing to win the trophy, the youngsters made history by reaching the final in the CECAFA zonal qualifier which ended last Friday.

However, the bright stars have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 scheduled for March in Egypt.

The Silver medal winners were honored with an official reception upon their arrival at Juba International Airport this morning.

The Minister of Presidential Affairs, Barnaba Marial received the players and applauded them for raising the flag of South Sudan high.

“On behalf of the president of the Republic of South Sudan, President Salva Kiir Mayardit , his government, and on behalf of the entire people of South Sudan let me says congratulation to our players,” said Marial.

“The president said you raised the name of this country at Africa level and internationally, he is so happy, and he will meet you after taking your rest, he has sent me here to receive you on his behalf,

“We fought and struggled for this country, and we got our independent, so now we can show the world we are capable in everything, so your warmly welcome,

“You raised the name of your country, you have raised the name of your people, so we will not be only for fighting but we can do other things including the sports.”

For his part, the National Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Albino Bol says the youngster stars has made history.

“Today is my great privilege to be at Juba international airport to receive the heroes who have achieved another history, who have achieved another day to be recorded down in the history of South Sudan,” Dr. Bol said.

“Only three countries in the continent that is Nigeria, Senegal, and South Sudan have managed to qualify both teams U-17 and U-20, and this is a great achievement to be recorded in their names.”

Meanwhile, the President of South Sudan Football Association has encouraged the young players to focus on their next games.

Augustino Maduot has also assured South Sudanese of better performance in the next appearances in Algeria and Egypt respectively.

“These young men brought to us the national pride in South Sudan, and I’m so happy for the care of the government and its interest in Sport has appeared because the president has sent his first minister in the government and that has great meaning,” said Maduot.

“We will participate strongly in Egypt and Algeria, as the minister put it historically,

“We are well known by determination during struggle time, you’re the sons of Martyrs, family members fought for this country for you to be exposed to the world.”

Joseph Loro, the captain of the National teams under commended the support of South Sudanese fans during their games in Sudan and those who turned up at the Juba International Airport this morning.

“We are very speechless, for seeing people this large number who received us, we are so happy reaching to this extend,” said Loro.

“I am shading tears because I did not expect this, but my message to thank them for great love and support toward the game until we reach where we have landed today.”

Bright Stars goalkeeper Godwill Sabio was declared the Best Player of the recently concluded CECAFA Zonal Championship in Sudan.