By Ngor Deng Matem
The Aweil East Football Team was crowned champion of the Aweil Counties Tournament (ACT) after defeating Aweil West in the final played on Friday at Buluk Playground in Juba.
The lone goal secured the championship for Aweil East, bringing to a close a successful tournament that was organised to nurture young football talent and promote unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Aweil.
The tournament featured six teams: Aweil East, Aweil West, Aweil Centre, Aweil North, Aweil South, and Aweil Old Stars.
The final was witnessed by the governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Charles Madut Akol, alongside community leaders and hundreds of football supporters.
Congratulating the winners, Governor Charles praised both teams for their discipline, sportsmanship, and commitment to peace throughout the competition.
“Football has once again demonstrated its power to unite our people. I congratulate Aweil East on winning the championship and commend all the players, supporters, and organisers for maintaining discipline, respect, and peace during the tournament,” he said.
The governor encouraged young people to continue embracing sports as a pathway to talent development, friendship, and national unity.
Aweil East team captain dedicated the victory to the players, coaches, and supporters.
“This title belongs to everyone who believed in us. We worked hard throughout the tournament, and we are proud to bring the championship home,” he said.
A representative of the organising committee described the tournament as a success, saying it had achieved its objective of identifying young football talent while strengthening unity among the counties.
“We are pleased with the level of talent displayed and the peaceful atmosphere throughout the competition. This tournament has shown that sport can bring communities together and inspire young people,” the representative said.