Home Defeat Sparks Apology
A tense afternoon at Juba National Stadium ended 2–0 in favour of Tanzania’s Azam FC, prompting El Merriekh Bentiu head coach Ibrahim Hussein to walk toward the red-clad terraces and offer a heartfelt apology.
Controversial Disallowed Goal
Supporters had erupted minutes earlier when striker Peter Chol bundled the ball over the line, only for the assistant’s flag to rise. “That decision changed the flow of the game,” Hussein later insisted, declining to pin the entire loss on the officials.
CAF Registration Confusion
Adding to the frustration, two midfielders registered for the tournament were omitted from the official match sheet, a clerical glitch Hussein attributed to “administrative loopholes” at CAF headquarters. He urged better coordination so clubs are not handicapped before kick-off.
Fixture Formats Questioned
The coach also questioned seeding procedures, arguing that early pairings of heavyweights with emerging sides curb the sport’s growth. “We need draws that encourage development across Africa, not just spectacles for television,” he said, stressing the comment was forward-looking.
Second Leg Outlook
Azam FC will host the return in Dar es Salaam holding a two-goal cushion. El Merriekh’s skipper Emmanuel Lowang said the mission “remains possible if we stay calm and finish our chances.” Training resumes Wednesday with emphasis on clinical finishing.