The second ever “Sudan Derby” happens today barely a week after the first encounter at the iconic Bahir Dar Stadium – Ethiopia in the groups stage of the 2015 Cecafa Senior Challenge ended in a barren draw.

Today’s clash in the quarter finals at the Addis Ababa Stadium from 2PM EAT will be special and historical for one team will go into the annals of history as the first ever winner of the derby since South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9,2011.

It will even be more special for players like James Moga who was previously capped fourteen times by the former master Sudan before shifting allegiance to the South – when he affirms his loyalty to his nation and flag for the second time. The thought of a sweet victory can only strengthen their resolve.

Bright Stars as South Sudan is nicknamed has been the surprise team in this edition of the regional showpiece. From exiting the 2013 edition at group stages without winning a single match, the current team has left tongues wagging with their solid performance beating Djibouti 2-0, Malawi 2-0 and drawing with Sudan 0-0 to emerge group “C” winners.

The opposite is true for their opponent of the day who have been blowing hot and cold from day one.

Sudan which remains one of the respectable names in the continent in terms football only managed a single win thrashing minnows Djibouti 4-0 in the last game of the group.

The Falcons of Jediane lost 2-1 to Malawi before settling for a barren draw against South Sudan as they progressed to the quarters as one of the two best losers.

James Moga and Bruno Martinez have both been a rock in the Bright Stars’ forward line boasting a goal and two goals respectively – they are sure starts in the hunt for glory.

As history beckons, it will remain to be seen which coach between Sudan’s Mohammed Abdullah Mazda and South Sudan’s Lee Sung-jea will be on the victorious side of the moment.

@bonfaceosano