South Sudan's youth teams, often called the Junior Bright Stars, have produced some of the country's proudest football moments, including its first appearances at continental finals tournaments.
The age groups
South Sudan fields national teams at under-15, under-17, under-20 and under-23 level. The younger teams play mainly in CECAFA regional championships, which double as qualifying competitions for the CAF youth Africa Cup of Nations. The under-23 team plays Olympic qualifiers.
Under-17: a first continental finals
In October 2022 the under-17 team qualified for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations held in Algeria in 2023, a historic first for the country. At the finals they were drawn in a tough group with defending champions Cameroon and Mali. The team also took part in CECAFA under-17 tournaments, where an earlier generation narrowly missed out on a final.
Under-20: quarter-finalists in Egypt
The under-20 team beat Ethiopia in the CECAFA zone to qualify for the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. After preparing with friendlies, including a build-up match against the hosts, they opened the tournament against Congo and reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated. It remains one of the best results by any South Sudanese national team.
Under-15 and grassroots
The under-15 team competes in the CECAFA U-15 championship, which brings together the region's best young players. Many of these players come through school competitions, grassroots courses and talent identification sessions organised by the national association.
Youth leagues
To give young players regular competitive football, the South Sudan Football Association launched national under-17 and under-20 leagues in Juba in December 2023. Al Amal and Dove Soccer Academies were crowned champions of the first 2023–24 youth league season.
From youth to the Bright Stars
Youth caps do not tie a player to a country under FIFA rules, which matters in South Sudan because a large diaspora in Australia, the United States and Europe has produced players eligible for several nations. Read how FIFA eligibility rules work, browse South Sudanese players, and follow the senior team's upcoming fixtures.