Alex Bullen
Africa-Press – South-Sudan. El-Merriekh FC triumphed over Kator in the final of the Juba Local Football Association’s (JBLFA) South Sudan Cup 2022–2023.
After 90 minutes of goalless play, the cup finals were decided by a penalty kick shootout. Kator’s three penalties were ineffective, as El-Merriekh prevailed with a 5-2 victory in the shootout.
The victory put an end to El-Merriekh’s lengthy trophy-less streak. They last won the league cup in 2018, and with this, the team added two league cups to their collection.
Coach Moro Bosco’s lads accomplished everything that was required of them in the penalty shootouts, perfectly converting all five of their penalties into goals.
The result did not only earn the team the title, but the outcome also earned El-Merriekh SSP 3 million in prize money, while Kotar received SSP 1 million for coming in second in the league.
“I’m over the moon about taking home this year’s title. It is truly is a dream come true, but most importantly, my particular gratitude goes to my players for their fantastic performance and their self-assurance in penalty shootouts,” Bosco said.
Elsewhere in Rumbek, Gonzaga FC shocked the dominance of South Sudan National Cup and South Sudan Super Cup winner Zalan FC in the finals.
The single goal, scored by Ruben Bhiaukuai off a free kick in the first half gave Gonzaga FC its first Rumbek South Sudan Cup.
Bhiaukuai, Gonzaga’s midfield was the night’s hero as supporters spontaneously offered to carry him across Rumbek Freedom Square.
El Merriekh FC Juba and Rumbek LFA’s Gonzaga FC has now joined the ranks of the Yambio LFA’s Yambio Stars, Wau LFA’s Merriekh, and Torit LFA’s Young Stars as champions of local football associations.
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