Ajak Riak

Ajak Chol Riak (born 12 December 2000) is a South Sudanese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Uzbekistan Super League club AGMK and the South Sudan national team.

Ajak Riak

Personal information
Full name	Ajak Chol Riak
Date of birth	(2000-12-12) 12 December 2000 (age 24)
Place of birth	Nairobi, Kenya[1]
Height	1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
Position(s)	Forward
Team information
Current team	AGMK
Number	23
Youth career
0000–2019	Bayswater City
2019–2020	Stirling Lions
2021	Olympic Kingsway
2021–2023	Inglewood United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2022	Bentleigh Greens	20	(7)
2023	South Melbourne	23	(10)
2023–2024	PSS Sleman	14	(5)
2024–2025	Sheriff Tiraspol	8	(2)
2025–	AGMK	5	(0)
International career‡
2023–	South Sudan	10	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 13 May 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals as of 5 September 2024

Club career

Australia

Riak was born in Nairobi, Kenya before his family immigrated to Australia when he was just a child.^[2] Playing for several clubs in the National Premier Leagues Western Australia youth divisions, Riak moved to Melbourne and signed with Bentleigh Greens, where he assisted the club to a Round of 16 spot in the 2022 Australia Cup, where despite Riak scoring a 86th minute consolation goal,^[3] they were knocked out 2–1 by A-League Men heavyweights Sydney FC.^[4]

Riak's strong performances for Bentleigh in both the Australia Cup, and the NPL Victoria saw former National Soccer League champions South Melbourne secure his signing for the 2023 season.^[5] After further strong performances for South Melbourne throughout the 2023 NPL season, Riak secured his first move overseas, and ultimately professional contract when he signed for PSS Sleman in 2023–24 Liga 1.^[6]

Indonesia

PSS Sleman announced Riak's signing in late November 2023, as a replacement for Ukrainian striker Yevhen Bokhashvili who had departed to sign for Sriwijaya.^[7] His signing came alongside fellow African Australian Elvis Kamsoba who had recently been released from Iranian club Sepahan.^[8] Riak's debut came in a 2–1 victory against Barito Putera, where Riak was praised highly for his performance.^[9]

Moldova

On 11 June 2024, Sheriff Tiraspol announced the signing of Riak from PSS Sleman.^[10]

International career

Riak accepted a call up from South Sudan under manager Stefano Cusin, making his full international debut against Congo in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.^[2]

Career statistics

Club

As of 23 November 2024

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National Cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Bentleigh Greens	2022	NPL Victoria	20	7	2[a]	1	–		0	0	22	8
South Melbourne	2023		23	10	0	0	–		0	0	23	10
PSS Sleman	2023–24	Liga 1	14	5	–		–		0	0	14	5
Sheriff Tiraspol	2024–25	Moldovan Super Liga	8	2	–		4[b]	0	–		12	2
Career total			65	24	2	1	4	0	0	0	71	25

1. Appearance in Australia Cup
2. Three appearances in UEFA Europa League, one appearance in UEFA Conference League

International

As of match played 5 September 2024

South Sudan
Year	Apps	Goals
2023	8	0
2024	2	0
Total	10	0

Style of play

Riak has been described as quick and strong player, especially during aerial duels courtesy of his height. In addition, he does possess a powerful finish.^[2]