El-Merriekh FC Bentiu have conceded defeat and congratulated “dedicated” opponents Jamus FC Juba for winning the South Sudan National Cup.

This comes after the Higher Appeal Committee of the South Sudan Football Association rejected the club’s appeal against a decision that declared them losers of the disputed final of the cup tournament.

“On behalf of El Merriekh Football Club – Bentiu, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you for your remarkable achievement in being crowned the champions of the 13th edition of the South Sudan Cup 2024,” the club said in a statement.

“Your dedication, perseverance, and exemplary sportsmanship throughout the tournament have been truly inspiring.”

On February 27, El-Merriekh appealed the decision of the SSFA Organizing Committee that crowned Jamus FC as champions, challenging the body to prove pitch invaders were El-Merriekh fans.

The club said the decision was unjust and made without thorough and proper investigation.

This comes after a match that started peacefully on a hot afternoon in February 25, at a tightly packed Buluk Training Center, ended 1:1 before Jamus and El-Meriekh headed to penalties.

During the shootout, El-Merriek had four kicks where they scored two goals and missed two, while Jamus scored three and were about to have the fourth kick, when fans ran to the field.

Chaos ensued as the football supporters stormed the field during a penalty shootout forcing the match to be abandoned without a winner.

The funs rioted and broke chairs, prompting police to fire shots in the air.

The organizing committee meeting pronounced El-Merrekh FC losers by a score of 2-0 and added that they will be deprived of the financial percentage of the match income, in accordance article 78 of SSFA general regulation 2012 amended 2019.

El-Merriekh FC appealed the rulingciting incorrect application of the laws and alleging that the pitch was first invaded by Jamus FC fans in celebration of the penalty missed by El-Merreikh player Dominic Abui.

Meanwhile, the High Appeal Committee dismissed El-Merriekh FC appeal describing as inadmissible and declared Jamus winners of the tournament.

“Despite El-Merreikh FC’s subsequent appeal, the Higher Appeals Committee, chaired by Lt. Gen. William Andaria Lado, has upheld the initial decision, deeming El-Merreikh FC’s appeal inadmissible,” it said.

El-Merriekh said in a statement on Thursday that it abides by the final decision of the SSFA High Appeal Committee.

“Your ability to overcome challenges with dignity and grace reflects the true spirit of sportsmanship. Your success serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished through determination and teamwork.”

“We applaud your unwavering commitment to excellence and fair play. May this triumph be the first of many more to come as you continue to inspire and uplift the world of football.”