By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan
Juba - El Merriekh FC will be aiming to move one step closer to a third Juba Football Association (JFA) South Sudan Cup title when they face Rainbow SC in today's semi-final at Jamus Playground, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM.
The two-time champions, who lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2023, have demonstrated resilience on their way to the last four, overcoming three opponents to keep their title ambitions alive. Their campaign began with a comfortable 2-0 victory over second-division side Lologo FC at Zahra Playground.
Experienced forward Emmanuel Chol, popularly known as Survivor, and midfielder Dominic Angelo scored to secure progression.
In the Round of 16, El Merriekh edged past Al Huriya FC, with Daniel Solongo converting a decisive penalty after Survivor was brought down inside the penalty area. Their quarter-final clash against Al Tahrir FC proved more challenging. Dominic Angelo opened the scoring with a header from a corner before an unfortunate own goal by full-back Aguero restored parity.
With the match ending 1-1 after regulation time, El Merriekh held their nerve in the penalty shootout, securing a 5-3 victory to book their semi-final ticket.
Experience key to El Merriekh's ambitions
El Merriekh will approach the semi-final without a substantive head coach, with women's team head coach Zidane Hussein currently serving as acting head coach, supported by experienced players Emmanuel Chol and Kaluusi Fufu.
The two players are the only members of the current squad who featured in both of the club's previous cup triumphs in 2018 and 2022, making their experience particularly valuable at this stage of the competition.
The return of defensive midfielder Kaluusi Fufu is another boost for El Merriekh. He missed the quarter-final against Al Tahrir after receiving a red card in the Round of 16 encounter against Al Huriya. His availability could provide additional stability in midfield as the former champions prepare for a decisive encounter.
Rainbow stand between El Merriekh and the final
For El Merriekh, today's encounter presents an opportunity to move closer to a third cup crown and reinforce their reputation in Juba's knockout football. However, Rainbow FC will be determined to upset the former champions and secure their own place in the final.
With a place in the final at stake, El Merriekh must combine their experience with discipline and clinical finishing to overcome the challenge.
Can the two-time champions take another step towards a historic third JFA Cup title, or will Rainbow end their journey?
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