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The former Madagascar national team head coach has praised South Sudan’s teamwork and tactical discipline after their 2-0 win over Kenya.
South Sudan head coach Nicolas Dupuis has revealed the strategies and spirited teamwork behind his team’s impressive 2-0 victory over Harambee Stars in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier.
The win, achieved on Sunday, puts South Sudan in a strong position ahead of their second-leg match against Kenya in Uganda on November 3.
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Dupuis attributed the victory to the team’s remarkable teamwork, strong discipline, and sheer determination, which he emphasized were crucial in overcoming a well-prepared Kenyan side.
"It was a good game, and I want to congratulate my players because they fought a lot during the game," Dupuis told Flashscore.
"I want to thank the South Sudan Football Federation because the camp was good. When the camp is good, then it is more easy to win a game, and it showed today against Kenya."
South Sudan’s victory came as a surprise to some, especially given that Kenya is set to co-host the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
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However, Dupuis' squad made their presence felt with their aggressive play and tactical adjustments.
“It was a difficult first half; Kenya had most of the ball. I think I saw 55 percent of ball possession, but they didn’t have any opportunity to score,” Dupuis explained.
“We had only one opportunity from a corner, but we wasted the chance.”
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In the second half, Dupuis made a critical decision to introduce an additional offensive player, a move that turned the tide in South Sudan’s favor.
This shift in tactics allowed South Sudan to exert more pressure, leading to two crucial goals that sealed their victory.
Dupuis credited the players for executing the change effectively, displaying aggression, and controlling the half with remarkable composure.
"Second half was better because we played with one more offensive player, and that is why we managed to score twice. The players were very aggressive throughout the game; they were good, they controlled the half," Dupuis stated confidently.
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Looking ahead to the return leg, Dupuis remains cautious yet optimistic.
“We have another game to win; it will not be easy to win in Uganda,” Dupuis noted.
“I think we must work a lot; we cannot underrate them. We must be ready to win the second game and qualify. I don’t take we will approach the game differently. We are going to play the same game like we did in the first leg, and I hope we will finish off the job in Uganda.”
South Sudan's growing confidence comes as CHAN, a tournament reserved for players competing in domestic African leagues, gains increasing prominence on the continent.
Initiated in 2009, the biennial event started with eight teams later expanded to 16 and since 2022 features 18 competing teams.
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