By Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan
Kampala - Reigning South Sudan Premier League and South Sudan Cup champions El Merriekh SC Bentiu continued their impressive preseason form with a 2-1 victory over Uganda Premier League side UPPC FC in an international friendly played at Nsambya on Thursday morning.
The South Sudanese champions took the lead in the 31st minute when Gaetan Masha calmly converted a penalty to put El Merriekh ahead before the break.
Shortly after the restart, Jonathan Gem doubled the advantage in the 50th minute, giving Claude Loboko's men control of the contest.
UPPC FC pulled one goal back through Kocola, but El Merriekh held firm to secure another encouraging victory.
The result marks El Merriekh's second consecutive preseason win in Uganda after their emphatic 5-0 triumph over Kibuli United FC two days earlier.
In that match, Shaban Hussein scored twice, while Pal Paul, Rehang Anger, and Jonathan Gem also found the back of the net.
Coach Claude Loboko is using the friendlies to fine-tune his squad ahead of the new domestic season and the club's return to the CAF Champions League preliminary round, where El Merriekh Bentiu will be aiming to make a strong impression on the continental stage.
