NSSCUP: El Merriekh FC takes on Jamus FC in Group B final

El Merriekh FC (Bentiu) players celebrate one of their goals in the on-going 2023/2024 National South Sudan Cup (Courtesy Photo).

El Merriekh FC from Bentiu and Jamus FC from Juba will square off in tomorrow’s 13th National South Sudan Cup (NSSCUP) 2023–2024 Group B Juba final.

The competition’s first-ever final between the two fan-favourite teams will determine who will top Group B while they wait for teams from groups A and C to join them in Juba for the second stage.

Johnny Kundo, the former manager of Atlabara and Simba FC, who took charge of El Merriekh last year, exuded a fantastic attitude to the games.

But whether they will overcome the talented John Alier’s Division 2 Jamus, who are yet to lose the competition, is a “wait and see.”

After losing 1-0 against the Super Stars in the last semi-final match, Kundo, the coach, said his focus will be all on the final.

“We played well today, only that we have not utilised our good chances; we could have won by a good number of goals, but maybe we are not lucky,” he said.

“This is over; we are focused on the next game, which will be against one of the best teams in the country, just like us,” he went on.

“Of course, that is the essence of any team; we strive to win every game that can bring joy to our supporters,” he replied when asked if he had defeated Jamus.

El Merriekh has won three of the four SSCUP games thus far; lost one, and scored over nine goals while giving up four.

Top players for them include Tot Meat, Omot Sebit, Dominic Abui, Chikidi Koang, Lam Dew, Chol Peter and Juma Jinaro, the former goalkeeper for Bright Stars.

Jamus FC, meanwhile, emerged victorious after four games, scoring more than 10 goals while conceding fewer than five goals in the process.

The best players on Jamus are Omar, Yusif Mursal, and Yohans Sissy, among others.

Although they will still compete in the second stage, Group B’s top finisher will be determined in the Group B final.

The game is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at Buluk Playground.