Naduru were crowned champions of the 2025 Yambio Inter-Area Football Tournament after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Baiporu in Saturday’s final, sealed by a stoppage-time goal.
Striker Chikito Taku scored the winner in the fourth minute of added time (90+4), sparking wild celebrations among fans at Gbudue National Stadium.
The tournament, themed “Promoting Youth Togetherness,” featured 36 teams from residential areas and aimed to foster unity through sport.
Baiporu’s head coach, Jonathan, criticized refereeing decisions, claiming Naduru’s captain should have been sent off for a serious foul and that time-wasting tactics went unpunished.
“The referee only added four minutes, which was not enough,” he told Radio Tamazuj. “But in football, there’s always a winner and a loser.”
He also questioned transparency in tournament management, saying promised funds had not been distributed.
“We were told there’s a $3 million support fund, but we haven’t received anything. Our players need this, especially those pursuing education,” he said.
Naduru’s team declined to comment on prize money, citing confidentiality.
Western Equatoria State Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, the tournament’s sponsor, congratulated Naduru and praised the event’s role in promoting peace.
“Football unites our people,” he said, pledging to renovate Gbudue National Stadium to boost local sports development.
Tournament committee chair Joseph Apai Arkangelo thanked state leaders for their support, while Yambio Local Football Association deputy president Justin Roto called for more investment in sports infrastructure.
“I appeal for more playing grounds and a dedicated football office to develop the game,” Roto said.
The final drew hundreds of spectators and ended peacefully, with officials hailing its success in fostering community cohesion.