Tito Defends Goalkeeper Substitution as Munuki SC Fall to Yei Joint Stars in South Sudan Women’s Cup Final

By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan 

Juba, South Sudan – 21 March 2026 - Head coach Tito Taban has defended his bold tactical decision to replace his goalkeeper during Munuki SC’s 5-3 penalty shootout defeat to Yei Joint Stars FC in the final of the South Sudan Women’s Cup.

The match, played at Juba National Stadium, ended 1-1 after regulation time before Yei Joint Stars secured their third consecutive title in the shootout.

Yei Joint Stars took the lead in the 25th minute through Esther Anzoo, whose brilliant effort looped over Munuki goalkeeper Viola Doki.

Munuki SC responded in the 52nd minute when Amarorwot Sharon equalized with a long-range clearance that bounced awkwardly and sailed over Nawal Isaacs.

In a surprising tactical move, Doki was substituted and replaced by centre-back Leila Ibot, who took over goalkeeping duties for the penalty shootout.

The decision proved decisive in the post-match narrative. Full-back Nancy Ibilla missed a crucial penalty—even after a retake due to a goalkeeping infringement—while Amama Rashida converted the winning spot-kick to seal a 5-3 victory for the “Super Queens.”

Speaking during the post-match press conference at Juba National Stadium, Taban explained the reasoning behind the goalkeeper change:

“Concerning the substitution of the goalkeeper, if we had won and the goalkeeper we brought in had saved a ball, this question would not be asked. But because she didn’t, that is why it’s being questioned.

It was a tactical decision. Our first goalkeeper has challenges in penalties, and the one we introduced has shown ability in penalties during training and friendly matches. With the absence of the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, we were forced to make that change.”

The defeat means Munuki SC remain without a South Sudan Women’s Cup title, while Yei Joint Stars continue their dominance, lifting their 3rd trophy in the competition and extending their remarkable run.

For Rashida, it was a moment of personal triumph, scoring the winning penalty against her former club after completing a move to Yei Joint Stars during the December transfer window.