South Sudan.. How does a 14 year old nation fight for its first major tournament?

25.11.25 FT Arab Cup

Syria

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South Sudan

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South Sudan’s national team will step onto the pitch in Qatar this week carrying more than just sporting ambition

They carry the weight of young nation, the trauma of war and the hopes of thousands of refugees who once fled the very soil they now proudly represent.

Ahead of their second ever appearance in the FIFA Arab Cup, the "Bright Star" will rely on remarkable squad built largely from refugee born players who left the country during the civil war, only to return now as symbols of resilience, unity & rebirth.

South Sudan (the world’s youngest country, born in 2011 after decades of war) joined FIFA only a year later in 2012.

Since then, football has become one of the few national threads connecting: The capital Juba, Remote villages, and sprawling refugee & IDP camps across East Africa.

Despite basketball being the country’s most popular sport, South Sudan has produced exceptional football talent scattered across the globe , many representing Australia, Switzerland or European academies.

The national team, however is now finally beginning to reclaim its diaspora.

Majak Mawith: From Kakuma Refugee Camp to National Captain

On Tuesday, goalkeeper Majak Mawith will lead South Sudan against Syria.. a moment unimaginable to his parents when he was born in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, decades before their homeland existed.

At age five Mawith moved with his family to Australia where he discovered football and nurtured dreams of representing country he had never seen.

Now 26 he is the first choice goalkeeper & captain.. the living embodiment of South Sudan’s story.

Mawith said in interview with FIFA:

"I was born refugee. My parents walked for days to reach safety. Their sacrifices shaped everything I am. Now I want to give back to my country"

He described South Sudan as beautiful nation misunderstood by outsiders, adding:

"Every time I return home, I want to do something meaningful. The people, the food, the culture , everything leaves mark"

Arab Cup Redemption After the 2021 Heartbreak

South Sudan’s last attempt to qualify for the Arab Cup ended brutally.. a forfeit to Jordan due to a COVID outbreak hours before kickoff.

This time, the mission is different. The squad has trained together for three straight months playing continuous matches and building chemistry.

"We’re ready. We’re physical, disciplined and we fight. We never give up" Mawith insists.

Their opponent? A strong Syrian side led by coach Jose Lana, unbeaten in almost the entire 2025 calendar year and fresh off a 5-0 win in Pakistan.

The challenge is enormous — but South Sudan embrace it as their greatest opportunity yet.

The Arab Cup: Qatar hosts again

The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup returns to Qatar, four year after Algeria lifted the trophy in the Al Bayt Stadium.

The qualifiers begin with:

• Mauritania vs Kuwait
• Syria vs South Sudan
• Palestine vs Libya

Seven play offs will determine the last spots before the 16 team group stage begins on 1 December.

If South Sudan reach the group stage.. It would be:

• Their first major tournament appearance
• A milestone for a nation only 14 year old

(Video) Most bizarre red card of the season: Idrissa Gana Gueye sent off for striking.. his own teammate!

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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