PEACE, PASSION & DRAMA: INTER-COMMUNITY PEACE TOURNAMENT THRILLS YEI TO THE FINAL WHISTLE
By Denilson Deneki
It was more than just a football match; it was a vibrant celebration of unity and a testament to the power of sport in building peace.
The Inter-Community Peace Tournament reached its electrifying climax today at Yei Freedom Square, drawing thousands of passionate fans and peace advocates for a final that will be remembered for years to come.
Greater Bahr-el-Ghazal FC and Greater Western Equatoria FC faced off in a pulsating showdown that had the crowd on its feet from the opening whistle at 3:00 PM.
The air buzzed with chants, drums, and the unmistakable energy of football fever as both teams played not just for victory, but for pride, peace, and the spirit of togetherness.
The first half showcased skill and discipline, with goalkeepers Boy Robert (Bahr-el-Ghazal) and Sindani (Western Equatoria) thwarting attacks with breathtaking saves. Every pass and tackle carried a deeper message: in South Sudan, sport can bridge divides and unite communities. The scoreline remained 0-0 at halftime, but the stage was set for a dramatic second half.
Just two minutes after the restart, Abraham Akol ignited the stadium, pouncing on a loose ball to fire Greater Bahr-el-Ghazal FC into the lead. Fans erupted, players embraced, and even rival supporters exchanged high-fives—a true display of sportsmanship. The momentum surged when Nelson Mandela—a name synonymous with peace—doubled the lead with a clinical strike, sending Bahr-el-Ghazal supporters into a frenzy.
Despite relentless attacks and stunning saves, the score held until the final whistle.
Greater Bahr-el-Ghazal FC lifted the trophy as champions, but the true victory was peace itself. As the sun set over Yei’s hills, Hon. Commissioner Emmanuel Taban of Yei River County joined RECONCILE International, the tournament’s proud sponsors backed by Bread for the World, to present awards amid cheers of “One People, One Nation!”
Award Winners:
– Tournament Champion: Greater Bahr-el-Ghazal FC
– Runners-Up: Greater Western Equatoria FC
– Best Manager: Mr. Issa Abduh (Greater Bahr-el-Ghazal)
– Top Scorer: Abraham Akol (Greater Bahr-el-Ghazal, 2 goals)
– Best Goalkeeper: Boy Robert (Greater Bahr-el-Ghazal)
– Most Disciplined Player: Emmanuel Aligo (Greater Western Equatoria)
The tournament proved that football can dissolve boundaries, forge friendships, and plant seeds for lasting harmony. Hon. Commissioner Taban captured the sentiment perfectly, thanking the organizers and declaring, “I wish you peace forever”—a call to action for South Sudan’s peacebuilding journey.
As fans streamed out of Freedom Square under a twilight sky, one chant echoed: “More games, more peace, more unity!” Yei now looks forward to the next kickoff, ready to continue this legacy of reconciliation through sport.
