Al-Salam Football Club of Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal on Wednesday beat Zalzal Football Club 1-0 and were announced as the state champions by the Aweil Football Association.
The Information Secretary of the Aweil Football Association, Akuei Deng Bak, told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that the local championship competitions were concluded successfully at the Aweil Freedom Square and that Al-Salam was declared champions.
“The local South Sudan Cup competitions have concluded today (Wednesday) in Aweil Town, and Al-Salam FC beat Zalzal FC 10,” Deng said. “Al-Salam came to victory after their player, Kang Benzema Arkengelo, scored a goal.
The Al-Salam FC secretary general, Dhieu Deng, was elated and said their player scored the winning goal in the second half of the game.
“Al-Salam won the state cup after beating Zalzal 1-0, and our player who scored the winning goal in the 65th minute in the second half is called Kang Arknagelo Dichak, also nicknamed (Kang Benzema),” A beaming Dhieu said.
The state sports minister, Bol Akuar Gamar, said Al-Salam FC will now play against other teams from the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region to qualify for the national tournament in Juba.
“Al-Salam will play against Bahr el Ghazal football teams from Lakes, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal states plus Abyei Administrative Area, and the winner will qualify to attend the South Sudan Cup national competitions in Juba,” said Akuar. “What affects sports activities here is the absence of financial support because the football clubs need training materials and food for the players. All this hampers the progress of sports in the state.”