Kuacjok United football team has won over Tiger United at Freedom Square Stadium on Tuesday in the final match of the Gogrial State Football Association Qualifiers for South Sudan Cup of 2016.

Kuacjok United player Deng Lual scored the winning goal in the first half of the match.

Speaking after the match, the acting sports chairperson in Gogrial State Dut Gop appreciated all teams who participated for their peaceful games and fans for their moral support they have shown. “I thanked all players that have took part in this tournament we started in March until today,” said Dut.

Dut explained that the winning team will now go on to play with other teams of Greater Bhar el Ghazal whether in Wau or Aweil.

He also urged the state government to support sports in order to engage youth and prevent them from doing unproductive activities. Dut also call for the training of referees and coaches as well as provision of sports equipment like boots, t-shirts and balls.

For his part, the Deputy Governor Santino Akot Abiem said he wants the sports associations to organize such tournaments in the payams and counties in order to bring youths together.

“You have shown good example here, but I want this to be extended to payams and counties so youth there should stop the ideology of fighting and turn to such activities,” said Akot. “I want it to be like former Gogrial East County where payams or counties arranged friendly matches between themselves.”

“What you have done here today is not enough as you still have some matches ahead to play and if you win there then that will be the time I will be happy and be ready to receive at Thorkueng the border of Warrap and Wau. Can you imagine for me as a deputy governor to receive you there?” he said.

The winning team Kuacjok United is expected to play with the winning teams from states of Greater Bhar El Ghazal region as soon as the South Sudan Football Association announces the date of the next contest.