South Sudan U17 team. (Photo: SSFA).

South Sudan’s U17 football team lost 4-2 against Somalia on penalties in the CECAFA qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Kampala on Friday.

The match, which determined the third and fourth places, ended in a 2-2 draw during regular time.

Wilson Genzi put South Sudan ahead in the 29th minute before Lazarus Laku extended Bright Stars’ lead four minutes later.

However, Wilson Genzi pulled one back for the Somalis with an own goal at the end of the first half and Faris Ishaq equalized for Somalia in the second half as his side staged a dramatic comeback to level the match and force the penalty shootout.

This result was a reversal of fortunes, as South Sudan had defeated Somalia 3-0 during the group stage.

South Sudan advanced to the semifinals as group leaders but were defeated by Tanzania, while Somalia, finishing second in the group, lost to Uganda in their semifinal match.

The loss places South Sudan fourth in the CECAFA qualifiers, with Somalia claiming third place.