By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan
Juba - South Sudan head coach Christian N'Sengi Biembe has named a 28-man provisional squad for the national team's upcoming qualification match against Angola in November 2026.
The selection, announced by the South Sudan Football Federation, comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and seven forwards, with a blend of locally based players and professionals playing their trade abroad.
Several players also named in the U23 provisional squad have earned opportunities with the senior team, including Holy Family midfielder John Juluk, Munuki FC winger Emmanuel Maken, Malakia FC's Kennedy Martin, El Merriekh Bentiu forward Jonathan Gem and Kator SC forward Santo Marial.
Maken's inclusion among the senior team's defenders is particularly noteworthy, having been listed as a midfielder in the U23 squad. Kennedy Martin, meanwhile, has also been assigned a midfield role despite featuring as a forward for Malakia FC.
Jamus FC's Paul Jawa has also made the provisional selection, while El Merriekh Bentiu's Jonathan Gem continues to attract attention with opportunities in both national-team setups.
However, Jamus FC midfielder Mario Albano is among the notable absentees, having missed out on both the senior and U23 provisional squads. No official reason has been given for his omission.
The squad also features several foreign-based players, including Lebib Lebib of Oakleigh Cannons FC, Teng Kuol of Marconi Stallion FC, Jackson Dwang of Gor Mahia, Yan Gatbel of KCCA Kampala, Kur Gai Kur of Green Gully FC and Valentino Kuach Yuel of Balzan FC.
With the November assignment against Angola approaching, Biembe will assess his options as South Sudan prepare for another important international test.
