Al-Hilal Wau's encounter with Al Salam Aweil. (Photo: SSFA).

Al Hilal Wau and Al Salaam Aweil shared points in a highly contested Bahr el Ghazal derby of the South Sudan Premier Football League that ended in 1-1 draw at Juba National Stadium.

Al Hilal, who faced logistical challenges and arrived in Juba just a day before the match, started with high intensity in an attempt to catch their opponents off-guard.

Their efforts paid off in the 17th minute when Esau Deng found the back of the net, giving Al Hilal an early lead. The remaining first half time saw the leaders shifting to a defensive strategy and relying on counterattacks as they struggled with physical fatigue.

In the second half, Al Salaam Aweil made offensive adjustments, seeking to equalize. Despite Al Hilal’s defensive bolstering of the midfield, Al Salaam’s Lual Lual scored an equalizer in the 77th minute.

Al Salaam continued to press for a winning goal, but Al Hilal’s defense and goalkeeper held firm until the stoppage time and six added minutes.

It was Al-Hilal’s opening match of the 2024-2025 SSPL season and a second for Al Salaam Aweil who lost their first match 2-1 to Koryom FC Bor on December 29.

After the match, Al Salaam’s Coach James Garang lamented missed opportunities and his players’ inability to finish critical chances, which he attributed to their failure to secure a win.

Al Hilal’s Assistant Coach Mario Mose admitted communication challenges during the match due to a sore throat but commended his players for their resilience.

In the SSPL table, Kator lead with 6 points and 2 goals, followed by Jamus with 4 points and 4 goals.