South Sudan enters 1st major tournament

The world’s newest nation has entered its first major football tournament. South Sudan is one of 51 countries to try and qualify for the African Cup finals next year in Morocco.

South Sudan gained independence in 2011 and was granted membership of both the Confederation of African Football and world body FIFA in 2012. The national team has played just a handful of games.

CAF says defending champion Nigeria is seeded No. 1 for the qualifiers. The top 21 seeds will gain automatic places in the final round and 15 teams will eventually join host Morocco at the continental championship next January and February.

Following its executive committee meeting, CAF also announced Algeria, Cameroon, Congo, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Zambia are candidates to host the 2019 African Cup. Libya will host in 2017.