Unity beats Koryom in Jonglei football peace tournament

Unity knocked out Koryom on penalties from a football for peace tournament in Bor, Jonglei state last Thursday.

Unity knocked out Koryom on penalties from a football for peace tournament in Bor, Jonglei state last Thursday.

The two teams drew 1-1 in regular time before Unity scored five penalty shots to Koryom’s three.

The week-long tournament includes sixteen teams split into two divisions.

State minister of youth culture and sports Chol Wal said the tournament is part of the government’s plan to bring peace by uniting different communities through sport.

Jonglei deputy governor Baba Medan attended the match and said he was proud of the athletes for supporting nation-building and peaceful coexistence in the state.

However, head of the state football association James Ayor said the tournament in Bor is now dominated by teams comprised of Dinka due to South Sudan’s civil war.

“Right now we are dominated by only Dinka players in all the teams but before the war, other tribes were seen in all the teams,” Ayor said.

He added the tournament will showcase the best players to represent Jonglei state in a national peace day competition to take place in January.