The Torit Local Football Association in Eastern Equatoria State on Saturday crowned Equatoria United Football Club champions of the Torit Super Cup.
This came after Equatoria United FC beat First Division Champions Young Stars 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the game ended in a one-all draw.
Torit Day Football Club which emerged as champions of the Second Division was promoted to the First Division while Keelang-Boor FC, the champions of the Third Division, was promoted to the Second Division.
The three champions received trophies, medals, and an undisclosed sum of money.
The Torit Super Cup is a local tournament that comprises 8 teams from the first, second, and third divisions, organized in Torit aimed at uniting the youth and building social cohesion.
Oting Martin, the Secretary-General of the Torit Local Football Association (TLFA), said the Torit Super League which started early this month, concluded on Saturday.
“In our final of TLFA Super Cup between Equatoria United and Young Stars, the match was good with high competition. Equatoria United scored the first goal in the first half and Young Stars drew in the second half and the game ended in a draw,” he explained. “So, they went for a penalty kick-off which Equatoria United won 4-3 against Young Stars. Equatoria United were crowned champions for the Torit Local Super Cup for the 2023/24.”
For his part, Lino Olinga Darious, the captain of Equatoria United FC, expresses happiness at being the inaugural winner of the Torit Super Cup.
“I give thanks to our fans and everybody who was supporting us. We had the spirit of winning and because we are the First Division reigning champions in Eastern Equatoria and this is the first time for the Super Cup be played in the state,” he said. “As champions, we are extremely happy because whenever we play with Young Stars, it is always not an easy match. I am also encouraging and telling them to take courage and they may perform better next time.”
Olinga added: “At times, Young Stars knock us out and wish us better luck next time too.”
Meanwhile, Ojok Julius, the Young Stars FC captain acknowledged defeat and attributed it to a lack of practice and the absence of their key players.
“That is how the game is and penalties are a chance and you cannot predict who will win. I encourage our team and fans to take courage. My biggest appreciation goes to Equatoria United FC for winning through penalties,” he said. “Football is like that and there are some mistakes that we have to iron out, we have not been training and we have players in different locations.”
Akille Maridi Cyprian, the President of Torit Local Football Association (TLFA), lauded the winners and encouraged the players and youth across the state to embrace peace and prioritize sports as a weapon for fighting tribalism and criminality.
“I want to say sorry to the champions of First Division, Young Stars FC because you played good football but lost and that is how the game is. I also appreciate Equatoria United FC because you have registered a legacy by winning the first Super League Cup championship to be played here. Congratulations to you,” he said. “Youth, let us embrace peace which is very important. Football is a weapon of peace and ends the world of tribalism.”