Photo essay: Resounding victory

Blind football is a five-a-side game played with a ball fitted with jingles so players can track its movement by sound.

All photos: Ammar Yassir

Five years ago, South Sudan did not even have a blind football team. Last month – in their first international tournament ever – the team became champions of the African Blind Football Championship Division Two, after defeating hosts Uganda in the final. The win earns them promotion to Division One and puts them within reach of qualifying for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Blind football is a five-a-side game played with a ball fitted with jingles so players can track its movement by sound. Outfield players, all of whom are blindfolded to ensure fairness, shout “voy” – Spanish for “I’m going” – to avoid collisions and signal their runs. Goalkeepers may be partially or fully sighted, and teams rely heavily on verbal guidance from the coach, a designated guide, and the goalkeeper. Spectators must stay silent during play so athletes can hear the ball, the field, and each other.

Referees mark out the field with boundaries and orientation guides at Hamz Stadium in Kampala ahead of the international blind football championships in Uganda last month.

Players in repose in South Sudan’s changing room, ahead of their first match against Uganda.

South Sudan’s substitution line-up warms up with the assistant coach during a half-time break.

Martin Ladu, the captain of the South Sudanese side, receives a yellow card during the final in Kampala on 29 October.

Uganda goalkeeper Musaasizi Moses wards off a shot at goal during the final.

South Sudan players lift their captain as he raises the trophy in celebration after winning this year’s final, which has launched them into African Blind Football’s first division.

South Sudan’s keeper, Charles ‘Bepo’ Sokiri, touches grass after the game. Bepo was named best goalkeeper of the championship.