- General
South Sudan’s national Blind Football Team have been crowned champions of the African Championship Division 2 after defeating hosts Uganda 3-0 in the final.
A goal from Yona Sabri Ellon – his fifth of the tournament – and two from captain Martin Ladu Paul were enough to secure the trophy.
After a tense first half, South Sudan opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Sabri Ellon added a second goal before a spectacular third from Ladu Paul.
South Sudan will now progress to the Division 1 African Championship next year as champions, with Uganda joining as runners-up. Teams that qualify from Division 1 will compete at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
The victory is a remarkable achievement in a sport which only effectively arrived in South Sudan five years ago.
Blind football started under a disability sports programme led by Light for the World. The team’s participation in the championship is led by South Sudan Association of Visually Impaired (SSAVI) in partnership with Light for the World and the adidas Foundation as part of the United by Sport programme.
The team hope the win will increase awareness of disability-inclusive sport and its power to promote inclusion and peace — as well as being a key step on the path to LA28.
“Blind football has changed my life,” said Ladu Paul, who was named player of the tournament.
“People back home are praising our name because we are representing our country. We are so proud and happy.”
Sophia Mohammed, Country Director of Light for the World South Sudan, said: “We are so proud of the team for this incredible achievement. Their success is a testament to their hard work, determination and belief — and proof that when people with disabilities are given the opportunity, they can achieve great things.
“This is only the beginning. Together with our partner, the adidas Foundation, we’ll continue building on the example set by the blind football team to use sport as a powerful tool for peace, inclusion and hope across South Sudan.”
Simon Madol, Head Coach of the South Sudan team and the driving force behind introducing the sport to the country, said: “Our message for the people back home is this is a team comprised of many different tribes of South Sudan and they are playing in the same team.
“Sport is a way to bring people together. We are all from different parts of South Sudan, but in this team we are like brothers — a family.
“Thanks to all our supporters, playing sport is a right our players can exercise. My message to everyone at home is to embrace inclusive sport and embrace each other.”
