Record-Breaking Scoreline electrifies Juba
Ten crisp strikes from El-Merriekh SC Bentiu silenced Juba National Stadium, eclipsing the single-match goal record since the league’s inauguration last year and handing Lion Hunters a humbling 10-1 defeat.
Bentiu’s ruthless formula on display
Coach Simon Kuol’s high-press blueprint forced turnovers inside the first third, yielding five goals before halftime. Forward Mangok Akol later observed that “the boys smelled space and kept attacking until the whistle.”
Second-half substitutions preserved pace rather than protection; midfield anchor James Gatluak noted the desire “to make an opening statement for the whole country.”
Table dynamics after matchday one
With goal difference now at plus-nine, El-Merriekh claim the summit, while Lion Hunters occupy the cellar. Analysts suggest the margin could become decisive in a campaign projected to be congested at the top.
Crowd and federation reactions
Nearly 8,000 supporters erupted in disbelief each time the net bulged. “We expected excitement, not annihilation,” admitted South Sudan Football Association spokesperson Michael Lado, praising the league’s growing competitiveness despite the gap exposed.
Season narrative takes early twist
El-Merriekh travel to Wau next weekend brimming with momentum, whereas Lion Hunters must regroup quickly. Neutral fans now anticipate tactical responses that could tighten contests as clubs adjust to the champion’s blistering benchmark.