SSCUP 2023: El Merriekh condemns Yambio Stars to 3-0 defeat

Digson Sebit netted a brace against Yambio Stars FC to secure three points for El Merriekh FC in the first leg of the ongoing South Sudan Cup (SSCUP).

El Merriekh FC, the Juba Champions, defeated Yambio Stars from Yambio Town 3-0 in an Equatoria derby.

On a through corner kick, Sebit headed in the game’s first goal from close range after 37 minutes. The skipper of El Merriekh, Daniel Khamis, increased the advantage after 42 minutes of play to make it 2-0 at the break.

Yambio Stars attempted a number of adjustments, but none had any lasting effects on their ability to get past the strong Juba champion’s defense.

Sebit scored again in the 70th minute to worsen the Western Equatoria delegation’s situation even more. New Nation FC of Maridi, one of Western Equatoria’s representatives, was already out of the running after losing to Nimule’s heavyweights, the Nile Eagles.

The defeat would mean that Yambio Stars’ chances of advancing to the next round are too narrow, despite having to play the return leg.

Mathematically, Yambio Stars will need to score four goals without El Merriekh scoring any, which appears challenging.

After defeating New Nation in Group B on aggregate (7-4) Nile Eagle became the first team to advance to the next round. They will play Wehida (Terekeka) away on January 26 before the return leg on January 30, 2023.

Elsewhere, in Group “A” Rumbek, Burtit FC of Yirol advanced to the next stage after knocking out Mabil FC of Wanyjok on a play-off in a 6-0 Ag.