By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan
Juba - Rainbow SC are preparing for their biggest examination of the Juba Football Association South Sudan Cup campaign when they face two-time champions El Merriekh FC in today's semi-final at Jumus Playground, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM.
The Commandos have impressed throughout the competition, combining attacking quality with defensive resilience to reach the last four. Now, they must overcome an experienced El Merriekh side if they are to move one step closer to a historic first cup triumph.
Rainbow launched their campaign in emphatic fashion on 22 October, recording a 5-1 victory over Buluk FC in the Round of 32. South Sudan U23 versatile forward Marco Orio led the scoring with a brace, while Kulang Peter, Silas Ohide and centre-back Daud John also found the net.
Their Round of 16 encounter against third-division side Gumbo FC on 28 October proved considerably tougher. After regulation time ended goalless, Rainbow prevailed 6-5 on penalties to book their quarter-final place. Veteran goalkeeper Sijali emerged as the hero, making several important saves, including two penalty stops during the shootout.
The Commandos maintained their momentum in the quarter-finals, edging Al Hilal FC 1-0 through Gabriel Juma's decisive strike.
Sijali and Ofiri provide defensive foundation
Rainbow's progress has not been built on attacking contributions alone. Their defensive organisation has been equally important. Sijali has conceded just one goal throughout the competition, with his experience and crucial interventions making him one of Rainbow's standout performers.
In front of him, versatile captain William Ofiri has been using his leadership to organise and guide the defence, providing stability and direction as the Commandos navigate the demanding cup campaign.
The partnership between Sijali's goalkeeping experience and Ofiri's defensive leadership will be particularly important against an El Merriekh side looking to impose its attacking threat.
Kulang's creativity adds attacking dimension
At the other end, Kulang Peter has been a key creative influence, providing several assists and helping unlock opposition defences. Marco Orio's goalscoring contribution, including his Round of 32 brace, has given Rainbow an additional attacking weapon, while Gabriel Juma has demonstrated his ability to deliver in decisive moments.
Head coach Kenyi Peter will be counting on these attacking qualities to make the difference in what promises to be a demanding semi-final encounter.
El Merriekh stand between the Commandos and history
Two-time champions El Merriekh FC bring valuable cup experience into the contest and will be determined to protect their reputation as one of the competition's successful sides.
For Rainbow, however, the stakes are equally significant. The Commandos have never won the Juba Football Association South Sudan Cup and understand that victory today would take them within one match of ending that wait.
With Sijali commanding the goal, Ofiri leading the defence and Kulang providing creativity, Rainbow have demonstrated the qualities needed to challenge for a place in the final. But against a two-time champion, another level of performance will be required.
The mission is clear: overcome El Merriekh, reach the final and keep the dream of a maiden JFA Cup crown alive.
MATCH DETAILS
- Fixture: Rainbow SC vs El Merriekh FC
- Competition: JFA South Sudan Cup – Semi-final
- Date: 3 November 2026
- Kick-off: 3:00 PM
- Venue: Jumuus Playground, Juba
