An African nation has reportedly taken action after they found themselves stranded at the airport ahead their crucial 2026 FIFA World qualifier.
According to Pan Africa Football, South Sudan spent a minimum of three hours at the airport after arriving in Libya in preparation for their East Africa Derby against Sudan.
It has been claimed that South Sudan allegedly experienced mistreatment from their host, Sudan, as they felt they should have reached the match venue, Benghazia, in time to ready themselves for the game.
A footage of Bright Star stranded for staggering three hours at Benina International Airport, Benghazi Libya, when representative of Sudanese Football Association failed to turn up at their reception. The passports of the delegation were sized by the Libyan Migration authority. pic.twitter.com/XZlG0oVd3N
— South Sudan Football Association (@ssfa_com) March 23, 2025
READ | Benni breaks silence after first Kenya defeat
The Bright Stars and The Falcons of Jediane will face each other in a World Cup qualifier at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Libya on Tuesday evening.
Pan Africa Football has reported that South Sudan have lodged a complaint with the world governing body (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) concerning the situation.
"The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) wishes to express its deep disappointment in the Sudan Football Association regarding the recent events surrounding our National Team, Bright Star,' reads a statement shared by Pan Africa Football, who claim to have obtained the statement.
''Today, our team embarked on their journey from Cairo, Egypt, at 8:00 am, with the hope of smoothly transitioning to Benghazi, Libya. Upon arrival at 10:12 am, the team anticipated meeting a representative from the Sudanese side to facilitate its entry into Libya.
"Unfortunately, this expectation was not met, and our team found themselves stranded at the airport for a staggering three hours. This situation became even more distressing as the Libyan migration authorities seized our players' passports, citing the absence of our coordinators as the reason for this action.
READ | Billiat co-Zim stars set for bumper bonuses?
''Despite the lengthy wait, no representative from the Sudan Football Association appeared to assist our team. After three long hours of uncertainty, the migration officers ultimately decided to allow the team to exit the airport, albeit without their passports, which remained with the authorities as a guarantee. This experience not only caused significant distress for our players but also raised serious concerns about the lack of support and coordination from the Sudanese side,'' the statement continued.
''It is crucial for football associations to uphold their commitments to one another, especially when it comes to the welfare of players who represent their nations. We hope that moving forward, the Sudan Football Association will recognize the importance of communication and cooperation, ensuring that such unfortunate incidents do not occur in the future.
''As a result of that unfortunate events from the hand of Sudan Football Association, most of the players are currently sick, others extremely tired and others mentally affected. As a team representing a sovereign country, we feel such treatment are disrespectful and unacceptable.We kindly appeal to FIFA and CAF for accountability."
South Sudan will be looking to beat Sudan to keep their chances alive of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup while simultanouesly denting their rivals pursuit of first place.