Teen winger Keer Majak inspired South Sudan to a 4-0 demolition of Djibouti in their AFCON 2027 preliminary qualifier.
The 19-year-old from El Merriekh Bentiu scored once and set up two goals, capping a dominant display in Juba.
Teng Kuol opened the scoring before Bangasi Bakosoro and Peter Maker added second-half strikes, with Majak sealing the rout late on.
It was a dream debut for new coach Cyprian Besong Ashu, while Djibouti, without a suitable home venue, will face the return leg again in Juba on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Seychelles held Lesotho to a surprise 0-0 draw in Bloemfontein, extending their winless run against African opposition to 62 matches.
