Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Athokbeek FC defeated Pan Nyok FC 1-0 in a tense final on Thursday to win the Twic County peace tournament, an event designed to foster reconciliation after local conflicts.
Deng Ajiing scored the winning goal in the 92nd minute for Athokbeek FC, breaking a defensive deadlock just before the match was headed for a shootout. The victory sparked celebrations among fans at Freedom Square in Kuajok.
The tournament was organized by local authorities to promote unity following deadly violence two years ago between the Twic community and the Dinka Ngok community of Abyei over the disputed Aneet area. Last year, President Salva Kiir ordered a ceasefire and deployed military forces to patrol the border.
“This is for peace because Twic recently had conflict with Abyei,” said Paul Mayen, secretary of the Warrap State local football association. “We want to help Governor Bol Wek for peace and tranquility among the restive communities.”
Warrap State Deputy Governor Aluel Garang congratulated the winners and donated 5 million South Sudanese pounds to be shared by both teams and the organizers.
“Congratulations to Akuar Athokbeek for winning the peace tournament,” Garang said. “Today you demonstrate the peace among yourselves as a Twic community.”
Athokbeek coach Thomas Mauach acknowledged the challenge posed by Pan Nyok. “It was a tactical game; both teams were playing defensively,” Mauach said. “Pan-Nyok team are strong, and God makes it possible for us to be champions.”
The goal-scorer, Deng Ajiing, called it a “good and fantastic game.”
“I play with ambition of winning this cup,” he said, “and indeed it happened.”
Pan Nyok coach Ngor Malual admitted the loss was disappointing but praised his team’s supporters.
“The expectations were that Pan-Nyok FC was supposed to be crowned the champions,” Malual said. “Unfortunately, Athokbeek won the cup. Pan-Nyok fans really supported us all the way… I appreciate their support.”
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