JUBA, South Sudan — El Merriekh SC Bentiu returned to training at the Juba National Stadium on Monday as preparations intensified for Saturday’s CAF Champions League second leg against Heegan SC of Somalia.
The Bentiu-based club secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Somali champions on Saturday evening, with Tot Maet scoring the only goal of the encounter to give Coach Jean Claude Loboko’s side a slender advantage heading into the return fixture.
The victory was particularly important for El Merriekh as it marked their first win of the season following a difficult start to the campaign.
Loboko’s side began the season with a defeat to El Merriekh SC Bentiu in the South Sudan Super Cup before recording draws against debutants Munuki SC and Super Star FC in the South Sudan Premier League.
Their victory over Heegan therefore provides a timely boost ahead of the decisive second leg.
El Merriekh will now aim to build on Saturday’s result and secure a positive result in the return leg, with progression in the CAF Champions League at stake.
The second leg is scheduled for Saturday, with the South Sudan champions holding a 1-0 advantage from the first meeting.
