AFCON Qualifiers: South Sudan’s Dhata Ruled Out With Injury

Uganda-based South Sudan defender Joseph Dhata will be out of action for a while, his National Team Federation has confirmed, though the actual time he’ll be out has not yet been clarified.

The NEC right wing back was injured in the Thursday AFCON Qualifier away match against Congo Brazzaville.

South Sudan conceded an early, 12th minute goal against their hosts, and it was enough to deny the Bright Stars all the three points away from home.

In the 1-0 loss at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat, Dhata was taken off early in the first half, just in the 25th minute, to be replaced by his NEC teammate Geriga Atendele.

“Dhata sustained an ankle sprain on his left leg and may not feature in the upcoming matches,” the South Sudan Football Federation confirmed.

The defender will most likely miss out as South Sudan host South Africa at the Juba Stadium in their next group K match on Tuesday, September 10. Congo will have visited Uganda at Namboole stadium a day earlier, on September 9.

After all Group K teams playing one game each, South Sudan’s Bright Stars still sit bottom of the table, with no point and -1 goals after losing their only one game played so far.

Congo lead the group with 3 points after winning their opener, while Uganda and South Africa with a point each after drawing 2-2 on Friday sit second and third on the four-team table respectively.

In total, there are 48 teams, divided into four per each one of the 12 groups, challenging for the 24 spots at the next edition of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament to be played in Morrocco in 2025.