El-Meriekh FC Bentiu were held to a 1-1 draw by Gonzaga FC Rumbek in the first leg of the South Sudan Cup on Sunday.

El-Merriekh dominated a goalless first half before Jack James gave them an important lead in the middle of the second half.

But Gonzaga salvaged a penalty towards the final minutes of the game, enabling defender Khot Makur to equal the score.

El-Meriekh of Bentiu qualified to the South Sudan Cup semifinals after beating Jamus FC of Juba, while Rumbek’s Gonzaga FC beat Tiger FC Kuajok to reach the stage.

Both teams now head to the second leg of the semifinals’ encounter on February 21, without an advantage.

James FC of Juba and Wanding FC of Nasir will face off in the first leg on February 19, with a second leg to be played on February 22.

El-Meriekh FC owner, Malual Tap, who is the current Undersecretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and Deputy Finance Minister Agok Makur were in attendance of the match played at Buluk Training Center.