El-Merreikh SC Bentiu claimed South Sudan Cup glory with a narrow 2-1 win against Al-Ghazala Wau in a fiercely contested final.
The Bentiu-based side delivered a strong performance to claim one of South Sudan football’s biggest domestic honors, with defender Ishamwe Saleh and winger Gaetan Masha finding the back of the net in a thrilling encounter.
El-Merreikh took the lead within the opening 30 minutes when defender Ishamwe Saleh rose highest to head home from a well-delivered cross by his teammate, sending the Bentiu supporters into celebration.
The team-maintained pressure throughout the first half and returned from the break with even greater intensity.
Their efforts paid off in the 50th minute when Congolese winger Gaetan Masha doubled the advantage after connecting with a precise cross from Chikidi Koang to make it 2-0.
Al-Ghazala Wau struggled to break through El-Merreikh’s disciplined defense for much of the game but managed to revive hopes late in the match when forward Ayub pulled one back in the closing stages.
Despite mounting pressure in the final minutes, Al-Ghazala could not find the equalizer, as El-Merreikh held firm to secure the victory and lift the South Sudan Cup trophy.
The championship trophy was presented by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Atong Kuol Manyang, in the presence of South Sudan Football Association President Francis Amin Michael, the federation’s two vice presidents, and members of the executive committee.
The triumph capped off a dominant tournament campaign for El-Merreikh Bentiu under head coach Hussein Ibrahoma, who was named the Best Coach of the 2025/26 South Sudan Cup campaign.
El-Merreikh’s defensive solidity proved key throughout the tournament, with the team conceding only one goal from the opening round to the final a remarkable record that underlined their discipline and organization.
Gaetan Masha, who played a decisive role in the final, was named the Best Player of the South Sudan Cup after an outstanding tournament performance that inspired El-Merreikh’s title run.
Meanwhile, Gurei City FC striker Taban Luis finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals despite his side not reaching the final.
The victory marks a major achievement for El-Merreikh Bentiu and further strengthens the club’s growing reputation as one of the rising forces in South Sudanese football.
