El-Merriekh FC Bentiu. (-)

El-Merriekh FC (Bentiu) have qualified to the South Sudan National Cup semi-finals after thrashing Jamus FC (Juba) 3-1 in the final Zone B tournament at Buluk Playground on Wednesday.

The victory over Jamus means El-Merriekh FC (Bentiu) are top of the 9 teams competing in the Juba-based Zone B league while Jamus trails in the second position.

The Buffalos took an early lead when striker Azbon scored in the sixth minute, before El-Merreikh’s Abibo fought back to equalize just before the end of the first half.

El-Merriekh FC again gained momentum scored two more goals towards stoppage time.

The Zone B champions had already qualified for the finals after defeating Super Star FC (Bor) on February 3, 2024, while Jamus FC (Juba) also made it after sinking Volcano FC (Torit) in a 4-2 victory.

The South Sudan National Cup is made up of three zones.

Zone A in Aweil has 10 teams, Zone B in Juba has 9 teams, while Zone C in Renk has 4 team, one of which withdrew earlier.

El-Merriekh FC (Bentiu) was in the draw in Group B in Juba alongside the other 9 teams Group A in Aweil with 10 teams and Group C in Renk with 4 teams.

All champions of the zonal leagues will play the national cup semifinals in Juba, while those in the second positions will playoff semifinal qualification spots.

Both El-Merreikh and Wanding FC (Nasir), who have already qualified are waiting for the winner of group A in the match that will be played on Thursday between Gonzaga Rumbek vs Tiger Kuajok.

Jamus FC Juba will play against the loser of Gonzaga Rumbek versus Tiger Kuajok match and the winner will join the semifinal of the national cup.

The final of the South Sudan Cup tournament will be played in Juba on February 24, 2024, and the champions will earn a 20,000-USD-prize.

The runners-up shall have 7,000 USD, the third position-holders will receive 3,000 USD and the fourth Place will gain 1,000 USD.