South Sudan Wins Africa Without Borders Football Trophy in Türkiye

(ISTANBUL) – Flags waved, drums beat and chants echoed as South Sudan’s student football team defeated Mali 2–0 to lift the Africa Without Borders Football Championship trophy in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The final match took place on Sunday night, 14 September, at the Mecidiyeköy Stadium. The tournament featured African undergraduate students and graduates studying in Türkiye.

South Sudan’s goals came from Victor Yohana, an architecture student at Beykent University, who scored the opening goal, followed by Hillary Jadisco, an economics student at Topkapı University, who sealed the 2–0 win. The team and supporters celebrated on the pitch as the victory was confirmed.

Organisers said the tournament aims to strengthen bonds among African students in Türkiye. The competition is run under Africa Without Borders, an association of African students and graduates in Türkiye.

“We created this tournament to bring African youth together,” said Souandaou Athoumani Ali, founder and president of the group and a PhD graduate in cancer biology. “Our aim is to unite students, graduates and the diaspora, to entertain them, and help them feel at home. Through football, we teach responsibility, unity, and show a positive image of Africa.”

The crowd reflected continental unity, with students from Somalia, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Ethiopia waving their national flags. Students said the tournament helps reduce the loneliness of studying abroad.

“When you are far from your family, you feel lonely,” said Shehu Rabiu, a Nigerian master’s student at Marmara University. “Being with fellow Africans makes us feel at home. We are proud and united.”

The tournament also reminded participants of the Africa Cup of Nations. Ibrahim Bakari Traore, a mechatronics student at Yıldız Teknik University, said: “

It gives us Afcon vibes, like we are the real players in Africa’s biggest football competition.”

Students highlighted Türkiye’s growing relationship with Africa through education, culture and sport. Rabiu said:

“Türkiye is investing in Africa by bringing students here. Opportunities like these make us proud as Africans and make Türkiye proud too.”

South Sudan’s captain, Joel, a civil engineering student, praised the cultural exchange.

“Learning a new language, Turkish, gave me new skills. Football teaches patience, progress and teamwork, just like life.”

Players also draw inspiration from African stars like Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and Cameroon’s André Onana of Trabzonspor. “They inspire us and make us proud to be Africans,” said one player.

A statement from the organisers said that South Sudan lifted the cup high while Mali applauded graciously and the crowd cheered for all participants.

South Sudan Goals and Key Players