Ukuno Called Up For South Sudan
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Albert Perez/Football Queensland
Flamboyant Brisbane Strikers attacker Apai Ukuno has been called up to the South Sudanese national team for a FIFA World Cup Qualifier this week.
The 24-year-old was named as part of the Bright Stars squad to face Mauritania over two legs in the first round of Confederation of African Football qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2018 hosted in Russia.
Ukuno joined Strikers midway through the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 season and made an immediate impact, delivering five goals in ten appearances as the club advanced to the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Grand Final.
The first leg of the qualifier will be played in the South Sudanese capital of Juba this Wednesday, with the return leg in the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott next week.
The winner will advance face African powerhouse Tunisia in the second round of qualifying. Five members of the CAF will ultimately represent the confederation in Russia in 2018.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, are currently placed 144th in the FIFA World Rankings after joining FIFA in 2012.
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