South Sudan Under-20 squad trains at Buluk Playground. (SSFA).

South Sudan Football Association has unveiled a 36-man Under-20 squad to take part in the 13th African Games that will be held in Ghana from 8th to 23 March 2024.

The All-Africa Games, popularly known as the African Olympics, is a major continental multi-sport event for athletes from nations of Africa, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and held every four years.

The Bright Stars have already started preparations for the tournament to be held in three Ghanaian cities; Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast.

South Sudan are in Group B alongside Nigeria, Uganda, Senegal and Tunisia.

The Bright Stars secured qualification to the tournament automatically when they qualified for the Africa Cup of Nation quarter finals in Egypt, in 2022.

According to the SSFA, 23 home-based players have been called up to a rigorous training while 13 more will join later.

Micheal Daniel, the head of SSFA’s National Teams Committee said the tournament is a great milestone for the youngsters for sailed to the quarterfinals of the continental competition.

“This tournament is like a reward for our national team under 20 who made the history for the first time to qualify AFCON quarter finals. And those history makers they are going to play also in all African games in March,” Daniel said.

The sports official said the national team will participate in the Africa Games despite the economic challenges facing the country.

He said the government will provide the ticket and other expenses for the team.

“Financially, there are challenges everywhere. But for us in the federation, we try our best. So, we prepare the team to perform well in this tournament, Government is aware about this tournament. I think they will take care of it.”

Mr Daniel said the Bright Stars have greatly improved adding that the country should anticipate great results.

He urged all South Sudanese football supporters in particular, to stand behind the team during All African Games Accra next month.

“I would like the public also to support them. Support them by accompanying them up to Accra also. I like them (fans) to come and support our boys.”