By Liam Josh
Nile City welcomed El Meriekh Bentiu to a Sunday afternoon tournament, which marked their debut match of this season of South Sudan premier league.
El Meriekh Bentiu, a club that signed a number of players this season, lost their first game to Malakia in their first match of the season. But the Sunday clash with Nile City gave them a huge advantage, as they made several entries against the hosts.
The start of the first half opened equal opportunities for either side, with both teams failing to utilize their goal scoring opportunities.
It’s Tot Maet’s brilliance that separated the two sides on the 14th minute.
Nile City paid back as John Tomba’s goal cancelled Maet’s opener, making it 1-1.
The Nigerian international Saed made the difference once again inside the 29th minute to put El Meriekh Bentiu ahead, at 2-1.
The early stages of second half looked lively for Nile City as they tried to create own chances.
El Meriekh’s Maet should have put his team deeper ahead when he faced the opposition goalkeeper, but the shot ended in the goal line.
Too many chances came on the way of Meriekh immediately as Maet’s chance was wasted, with Akinbinu also squandered his own chance.
Chol Peter added the tally for Meriekh Bentiu on the 49th minute, making it 3-1, to put game beyond Nile City.
El Meriekh made another announcement with a 79th minute goal, through substitute Thor, making it 4-1.
Chol Peter, the experienced midfielder, wrote his name on the mark as he scored another goal, to aard himself a brace, pushing the goal tally to 5:1.
Very good response from El Meriekh, as this game will send a message to rest of the teams in the division.