The 2024 NSW African Cup concluded over the weekend in spectacular fashion at Wanderers Football Park with South Sudan securing a historic 2-0 victory over Cape Verde in the Men’s Final to claim back-to-back titles.
Spanning nine weeks, the tournament brought together 47 teams across categories, including U14, U15, U17, Women’s, and Men’s divisions. Fans flocked to the matches each Saturday at Wanderers Football Park, soaking in thrilling football action, cultural festivities, and the vibrant rhythms of African drummers.
South Sudan’s journey to the Men’s Final was nothing short of remarkable.
The Bright Stars maintained an undefeated record throughout the tournament. Captain Robert Eremugo gave his team an early lead with a 26th-minute goal, and despite being reduced to 10 players in the second half, South Sudan showed extraordinary resilience.
Chan Yelchan sealed the win with a dramatic stoppage-time goal, cementing their place in tournament history.
Head coach Wol Reec lauded his team’s performance and the support of their community.
“This victory is a testament to the hard work of our players and the passion of our supporters. We are proud to represent South Sudan on this stage,” said Reec.
The tournament also saw standout performances in other categories.
Ghana triumphed in the Women’s Final, defeating Egypt 5-1 to claim their first title in three years. Sierra Leone dominated the U17 category with a 4-0 win over Zimbabwe, while Seychelles edged out South Africa 3-2 in a thrilling U15 final. Zimbabwe completed a strong showing in the U14 division, defeating South Africa 2-0.
During the closing ceremony, African Cup President Bernard Muchemwa expressed gratitude to players, fans, and partners, including the Western Sydney Wanderers.
“This tournament goes beyond soccer – it’s a celebration of community, culture, and unity. Thank you to everyone who made this event so special,” said Muchemwa.
The NSW African Cup, proudly supported by the NSW Government, continues to be a beacon of unity and talent development, providing a platform to showcase the skills and passion of diverse communities.
This year’s success, bolstered by this invaluable support, sets an exciting precedent for future tournaments, promising even more thrilling moments for fans and players alike.
