Juba - Al Huriya FC survived a stern test from Future Stars Football Academy U20, holding the academy side to a goalless draw in their first pre-season friendly at Zahra Playground in Juba on Wednesday.
The match marked the first game in charge of Al Huriya head coach Samuel Gabriel, who was appointed to the position on 18 July 2026.
For FSFA U20, the encounter also marked a new chapter, with Lado Angelo taking charge of the team for the first time as head coach. Angelo previously worked with the academy as a fitness coach before assuming the leadership role.
Known as The Flames, Al Huriya began their pre-season preparations on 17 July, ahead of their second season in the Juba Football Association First Division League, popularly known as the Konyokonyo League.
The Flames had completed 16 training sessions before facing FSFA U20, as Gabriel continued to build his squad ahead of the 2026/2027 campaign.
Despite Al Huriya’s preparations, it was Future Stars who dominated much of the encounter. The academy side created a number of opportunities but could not find the finishing touch.
The major talking point came in the first half when Al Huriya appealed for a penalty after a cross from the right flank struck FSFA centre-back Bakata Junior in the hand inside the penalty area.
The assistant referee initially raised his flag for offside, and the centre referee based his decision on the first signal. The assistant referee then moved towards the penalty area, creating confusion over the incident, but the referee maintained the initial decision.
Al Huriya eventually held on as Future Stars continued to push for a breakthrough, with neither side able to find the winning goal.
The 0–0 draw gives both coaches valuable information as they continue preparations for the upcoming season, with Al Huriya targeting another strong campaign in the Konyokonyo League and FSFA U20 continuing their player development programme.
