El Merriekh SC Bentiu have reached the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League for the first time after a commanding 3–0 victory over Somali champions Heegan SC at Juba National Stadium on Saturday.
Jean Claude Loboko’s side secured a 4–0 aggregate triumph, having won the first leg 1–0, to make history in their continental campaign.
Despite being officially the away side for the second leg, El Merriekh were again playing in familiar surroundings in Juba and took control of the tie before half-time.
Tot Maet broke the deadlock deep into first-half stoppage time, scoring in the 45+5th minute to send El Merriekh into the interval with a 1–0 lead.
The South Sudanese champions continued their momentum after the restart, with Keer Managar doubling the advantage in the 49th minute.
Heegan pushed for a way back into the tie but struggled to break down a disciplined El Merriekh defence, while the visitors remained dangerous on the counter.
Kekeli Attor put the outcome beyond doubt in the 93rd minute, completing a 3–0 victory on the night and sealing El Merriekh's historic progression.
The qualification represents a major milestone for the Bentiu-based club, who are competing in the CAF Champions League for only the second time.
On their debut, El Merriekh faced Gor Mahia, securing a memorable victory in Juba before suffering a heavy defeat in the return leg in Kenya.
Now, under Jean Claude Loboko, the South Sudanese champions have gone one step further, securing their first-ever place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
