Double Champions El Merriekh Bentiu Set Sights on League Title Defence and CAF Champions League Success
By Isaac Denish
Fresh from a historic domestic double, El Merriekh Bentiu SC have shifted their focus to an even bigger challenge—defending their South Sudan Premier League title while making a strong impression in the 2026/27 Total Energies CAF Champions League.
The Bentiu-based club enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 season, ending the long-standing dominance of clubs from Juba and Wau by winning both the South Sudan National Cup and the South Sudan Premier League under head coach Ibrahim Hussein.
Hussein also made history by becoming the first Sudanese coach to win a major football title in South Sudan.
El Merriekh secured the National Cup on 10 May 2026 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Ghazala Wau FC before being crowned South Sudan Premier League champions on 18 May after collecting 64 points from 26 matches, finishing three points ahead of defending champions Jamus SC.
The club’s success was further highlighted by individual honours, with goalkeeper Daniel Magot winning the Goalkeeper of the Season award, while midfielder Sampi Ousimane was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
CAF Champions League Challenge
Following their domestic triumph, El Merriekh Bentiu will represent South Sudan in the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, beginning their campaign in the preliminary round.
According to the CAF competition calendar, the first preliminary round first-leg matches will be played between 4 and 6 September 2026, with the return legs scheduled for 11 to 13 September. The second preliminary round is set to take place in mid-to-late October.
After suffering early exits to Kenya’s Gor Mahia in 2024 and Tanzania’s Azam FC in 2025, the club is determined to progress further in this year’s competition.
Strengthening the Squad
With the demands of balancing domestic and continental football, El Merriekh are expected to strengthen their squad during the current transfer window.
Coach Hussein has been working closely with the club’s management to identify key reinforcements, particularly in attack, to improve the team’s scoring ability while maintaining the defensive solidity that made them one of the league’s strongest sides last season.
Pre-season preparations, including training camps and possible regional friendly matches, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the champions gear up for another demanding campaign.
For supporters in Bentiu and across South Sudan, the new season presents an opportunity to see their club build on its historic achievements and compete more strongly on the African stage.
