.𝐄𝐥‑𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐤𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝟐–𝟏 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐥‑𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐚.

In front of a packed stadium and a distinguished VIP line, El‑Merriekh Bentiu secured the South Sudan Cup with a 2–1 victory against Al‑Ghazala Wau. The winning side produced a resilient performance to overturn the game and claim the national title.

 

The championship trophy was presented by Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, Minister of Youth and Sports, in the presence of Francis Amin Michael, President of the South Sudan Football Federation, alongside the two vice presidents and members of the federation’s executive committee.

 

Match report: El‑Merriekh opened the scoring through a well‑worked attack, but Al‑Ghazala responded to level the contest and force a tense second half. Bentiu regained the lead with a decisive strike that proved enough to seal the win despite late pressure from Wau. Both teams showed determination, but El‑Merriekh’s defensive discipline and clinical finishing made the difference.

 

Individual honours: The final also highlighted standout performers across the tournament, with the following awards presented after the match:

 

• Best player of the tournament: Galtan Masha (El‑Merriekh SC Bentiu).

• Best goalkeeper of the tournament: Daniel Magot (El‑Merriekh SC Bentiu).

• Best coach of the tournament: Ibrahim Hussein (El‑Merriekh SC Bentiu).

• Top scorer of the tournament: Taban Louis (Gurei City SC — Juba).

• Fair‑play player of the tournament: Emmanuel Sebit (Malakia SC — Juba).

 

 

Reactions: Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang congratulated El‑Merriekh Bentiu on their achievement and praised both teams for a fair and entertaining final, while Francis Amin Michael hailed the match as a positive step for domestic football development and pledged continued support for competitions that raise standards nationwide.

 

 

What it means: The victory cements El‑Merriekh Bentiu’s status among the country’s top clubs and provides momentum going into the next season and regional competitions. The tournament’s individual prizes recognise players and staff whose performances stood out and will be a springboard for further opportunities at club and national level.