The Scorpions of The Gambia ended their 2017 Gabon African Cup of Nation qualifier with another 2-0 defeat to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Saturday at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium in Cameroon.

It has been another poor campaign as the Scorpions can only boast of 2 points out of six games.

The team drew two games – away to South Africa and at home against Mauritania. It lost both legs to Cameroon, lost away to Mauritania and at home to South Africa.

Coach Sang Ndong and his home-based-dominated side could not stop the already qualified Cameroon as the home side took the lead courtesy of a controversial penalty awarded by the Ghanaian referee which was converted by Benjamin Moukanjo in the 35th minute.

Karl Toko Ekambi headed in from a corner kick after 53 minutes to double Cameroon’s lead.

For a country that is yet to taste playing in any Afcon tournament, a lot more is to be learnt from the poor campaign, thus the need for all stakeholders to honestly look into the problems of Gambian football with a view to finding a solution.

As Coach Sang Ndong continues with his so-called “Rebuilding and Rebranding” process with a much better performance in the final game, Gambia must draw inspiration from countries like Guinea Bissau that has already qualified to their maiden AFCON tournament.  Gambia must start getting things right by doing the right thing at the right time rather than blaming referees anytime the team loses and stop applauding team for a mere performance when the results are not coming.

by Alieu Ceesay

The Gambia wrapped up its 2017 African Cup of Nations campaign with an impressive showing in Cameroon despite a 2-0 defeat at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium on Saturday. If not for their profligacy in front of goal, it could’ve turned out to be a different story.

But just as in the first leg in Banjul exactly twelve months ago, it again took an individual error to determine the outcome of this particular match. Instead of a player, this time it was the match official when he awarded a nonexistent penalty converted by Benjamin Moukandjo to give the Indomitable Lions the lead against the run of play. Indeed even the Cameroonian match commentator on the state broadcaster doubted the call, prompting him to saying that the Ghanaian referee succumbed to the pressure of the fans into awarding the spot-kick.

The first half was one of the most dominant play by the Scorpions for a very long time and one would be forgiven for thinking that the 35th minute opener would dampen their spirits, but they refused to budge and came into the second half determined to ensure parity. The Ghanaian official again pointed to the spot for a second penalty against The Gambia few minutes into the half but his assistant flagged for a corner and as a result he was forced to annul his earlier decision.

Karl Toko Ekambi headed in from a corner kick after 53 minutes to double Cameroon’s lead and despite frantic efforts to reduce the deficit, the hosts held on to book their place in the 2017 Afcon in Gabon. Mauritania’s 1-1 draw in South Africa had ensured Cameroon’s place in Gabon 24 hours earlier as Group M winners.

Despite finishing the campaign in bottom place, the future looks bright for the Scorpions based on the evidence of play on Saturday. With the team not involved in the 2018 World Cup, this will avail the authorities and technicians the time to continue the rebuilding and rebranding process before returning to international competition in a year’s time in preparation for the 2019 edition.

Much thanks to the head coach and his team of technicians, players and their families and clubs, the general football family for their consistent support and understanding. Same go to the media for accompanying us through this crucial period, and the government for the invaluable support and cooperation.

Long live the Scorpions

Long live The Gambia.

Source: GFF.gm

The knockout competition of the 2016 Manjai Nawettan is getting heated at the Father Gough Sports complex. Talibi FC and Dippakunda Ajax FC over the weekend become the latest teams to progress to the second round of the 2016 Manjai kunda knockout tournament following their respective wins over Box bi FC and kololi united.

Talibi FC beat Box bi FC 4-0 on a post match penalty shoot-out following a goalless draw in the regulation time.

Meanwhile, in the earlier encounter, Johannes FC beat Bayern Central 2-1 in the regulation time. Kololi Central defeat Brusubi Phase 2 by 2-0.

The other games between Lemon Tree FC VS Brusubi Pak Food and D’Dolphins vs Global properties were cancelled on Saturday and reschedule for yesterday (Monday).

by Hadang Daffeh

One of the fanciest team in the Serekunda East Nawettan, Ebbeh Gi FC and the Baboucarr Jallow (B.J Academy) became the latest teams on Sunday to book their places to the quarterfinal stage of the ongoing Serekunda East knockout tournament following their wins over Cannon FC and B.J Academy respectively.

The Fajikunda outfits, Ebbeh Gi FC, beat Cannon FC by a lone goal to nil after the regulation time. Ebbeh Gi has now registered two victories in their overall games in the East Bi Nawettan so far, as they have been eliminated in the league competition and left with only the knockout tournament for fight for.

Cannon FC will hang their footballing boost till next season as they have been eliminated in both the league and knockout competitions.

The Baboucarr Jallow Academy also beat Manchester United 3-1 on post-match penalty shootout following a goalless drew in the regulation time.

B.J Academy has booked their places in the both league and knockout competitions, while Manchester United is only left with the league tournament to fight for following the defeat in the knockout.

Thursday knockout games, Future Stars FC beat Abuko United 1-0 and Milan Rossenerri won T-Central 5-4 on post-match penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the final whistle.

On Friday, Bantaba FC beat Uprising 1-0, as Milan FC of Tallinding send Dubai packing after 4-3 post-match penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the regulation time.

On Saturday, Medina continued their unbeaten run in the SESDO Nawettan as they thrashed Jola Kunda FC 4-2 on post-match penalty shootout following a goalless draw in the regulation time.

Medina FC is one of the teams that was yet to suffer from a defeat this season so far, since they lost in the curtain raiser against Blue Stars FC.

London United proved too strong for the helpless Handover side, as they beat them 2-0 to book a place in the quarterfinal stage.

by Arfang MS Camara &

 Jainaba D Jatta

Sheriffo Bojang, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and the Former Public Relation Officer (spokesperson) of Sabara Social and Football Club, has described Sabara Football Team as a team Par Excellence during an exclusive interview with Observer Sports at his compound in Kombo Brikama.

Saraba Football Club has done what many teams in The Gambia did not do. Despite the fact that the club is no more, Sabara has left legacy with rich history to narrate its story.

The Ex-Spokesman of the club described Saraba as a team Par Excellence for the fact the side has not only contributed in the development of Sports in The Gambia but as well other crucial areas. “Sabara was well known for unity and championship. There was love, cooperation and understanding among the players and officials of the team and those were some of the factors that contributed to the success of the club,” he said.

According to him, Sabara was established in the late 80s by some young people of Brikama to participate in a tournament organized among various areas of Brikama. “After the club had immensely performed in that tournament, a strong social club with a good financial background called Saraba took over the team and gave its name and support,” he added.

Since then, he said, the team was restructured and attracted players from Brikama and beyond. “We started playing Newattan Proper in

Brikama and became the strongest of the town, even though there were great teams like Justice, Kuteh Jombulu and few others to compete with. At some point, the team had a problem with the Nawettan organizing committee of Brikama for referees not fairly playing our games and we decided to register at Serekunda East and became champions of the two season we played there,” he disclosed.

Deputy Minister Bojang said Saraba has produced lot of players for the national football team categories of The Gambia.  “Yusuf Badjie, Lamin Owens, Jamez Freeman, Star Janneh, Mustapha Minteh and many more are all products of Saraba who played for the various sides of The Gambia’s national football team.”

“Ousman Saho, who was the team Manager of Saraba, has done a lot for the club, ranging from financial support to down to other things. Late

Landing E. Sanyang (Master Sanynag) and others also did extremely well for the side,” he said.

by Modou Lamin Jammeh

Bijilo-based Sankum side and Kanifing United are the first two sides to secure their spot in the semi finals of the 2016 Serrekunda West Modou Inna Sey Memorial Knockout trophy following their respective 1-0 quarter-final wins over Pencha and Blackpool last Friday.

In a game played in the presence of multitude supporters, Botha games saw teams display brilliant football, creating numerous chances. However, it was Sankum and Kanifing United that prevailed over their opponents.

The last Saturday’s two other quarter-finals between Bengazzi vs Ruhagi and Konge Bi vs Tababi, which were cancelled due to the heavy rain are now reschedule to next Saturday at 9am and 11am respectively.

League Resumes

On Sunday, the third round of the league resumed as Erinjang defeated Jarington 2-1 at 3pm, while Anfield also defeated Kaw Tally by the same scoreline at 5pm.

Yesterday (Monday), Unicorns was to take on Pencha at 3pm and Blackpool takes on West Coast at 5pm.

Today (Tuesday), DK United will take on Konge bi, whilw Kanifing Estate takes on Harlem.

by Fatou Trawally &

Fatou Gassama

In a knockout game played at the KG5 Mini Stadium in Banjul, Babylon made it to the quarter finals of the 2016 Banjul Nawettan after defeating Heart of Banjul 1-0.

Momodou lamin Touray scored the only goal of the match in the early kick-off, which gave them a chance to contest in the quarter-final.

It was an unfortunate moment for their counterparts, Heart of Banjul, whose hope is now only on the league as both teams are qualified to contest in the quarterfinals.

Fine and Suspension

In another development, the Banjul Youth and Sports Committee has suspended Abdoulie Jallow, Assistant Coach of Tesito for the rest of 2017 Nawetttan with a fine of D1000. This is said to be due to his unsporting behaviour after their match against Miami on Sunday, September 4th.

A copy of the letter was sent to Observer Sports and it reads:  “The Banjul Youth and Sports Committee has decided to suspend Abdoulie Jallow (Boy Jallow), Assistant Coach for the 2017 Nawetttan for his unsporting behaviour after his match against Miami on Sunday, 4th September and fined D1000 for entering the football field and damaging the corner flag before the second match.

He is not to be involved in any activity of the team during matches and should not enter the dressing room, stand behind the bench or field the match form and enter the football field during and after the match. The fine must be paid before the 2017 Nawettan failure which Tesito will not be allowed to compete in the Nawettan”.

The letter further indicates that their protest against Miami, claiming they fielded in an ineligible player in Muhammed Touray for collecting three yellow cards and should have been suspended, is not valid.

“According to our records from the match forms and as clearly stated in the Week 6 Nawettan Journal, the aforesaid player only collected two yellow cards,” the letter ends.

by Saffiatou Colley

The ongoing 2016 Lamin Nawettan is in full swing as 20 teams are participating in both the league and knockout competitions.

Si Pah Bi, Gambinos FC, World 11 FC, Universal FC and Jatta’s FC were the latest teams to  book their places in the next stage of the Nawettan.

On Thursday Si Pah Bi FC drew goalless with Gambinos FC in their last encounter in the group. The  goalless draw saw both teams book places in the knockout stages of the competition.

World 11 also qualified to the next stage after beating the young Head Stars side 2-1 on Friday.

Universal FC has surprisingly beaten Jatta’s FC 2-0 in their last encounter in the league tournament. The victory over Jatta’s FC has made both teams advance to the next round of the tournament.

Sanchaba United also beat Veterans FC 2-0 in their last encounter of the group stages. It is their first victory this season so far, following their setbacks in their first two games of the group stages.

Ousman Badjie and Omar Jallow scored both goals for Sanchaba United in the 20th and 80th minutes respectively. The victory is very important for the Lamin Sanchaba team as it prevented them from relegation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Observer Sports, Saihou Ceesay, assistant coach of Sanchaba United, commended his players for the victory saying it was their last chance to avoid relegation.“We knew  since the beginning that we would not qualify but is very important to avoid relegation. Sanchaba United is a big team and we have never been relegated, so we came here playing for that pride and thank God that we got what we want,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Lamin Nawettan started knockout yesterday (Tuesday) and Sotoko FC was to play against Mandinary.

By Binta Jammeh

The 5th edition of the Youth and Sports summer camp, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is currently underway at the Friendship Hostel in Bakau.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Alieu K Jammeh underscored the importance of the summer camp in shaping the mindsets of the participants.

While looking forward to another successful camp, Jammeh said he was hopeful that the participants will be prepared well as future leaders.

He finally thanked all sponsors and individuals that supported the camp.

Pa Suwareh Faye of the Ministry of Youth and Sports said the participants will be involved in seminars and sporting activities.

According to him, they will also visit interesting sites.

The Secretary General of the National Inter-departmental Sports Association (NISA), Saikou .B. Jarju, on behalf of the Appeal and Disciplinary Committee of NISA, has declared that the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is not guilty of any wrong doing.

The Secretary General gave this verdict at a meeting held at GRTS, on Friday, 2nd September 2016.

The National Inter-departmental Sports Association (NISA) is the body mandated to steer the affairs of inter-departmental football competitions, known to many as NISA tournament.

The two teams locked horns in the semi final of the tournament with GCAA winning by 4-3 on a post-match penalty shoot-out.

After the game, NAWEC wrote an appeal letter, dated 7th August 2016, against the GCAA caliming that “they used three players who are not staff of Civil Aviation”. The three players in question were, Sainey Njie, Bubacarr Sonko and Buba Manneh.

The Appeal and Disciplinary Committee of NISA, wasted no time in launching an investigation into the matter, by contacting the GCAA records office, accounts department, human resource office, operations department and Social Security and Housing Finance Cooperation.

At the end of the investigation, it was established that Sainey Njie was a General Service Attendant, and has been working with the GCAA since 1st July 2015. Bubacarr Sonko was not actually a staff of GIA, as appealed by NAWEC, but rather a staff of GCAA, who works as “Trolley Controller’’ since July 2014. Buba Manneh has an “Airport Porter’’ since June 2014.

GCAA is now going to play Daily Observer newspaper in the final of the 2016 NISA tournament on the 1st October at the Serrekunda East mini-stadium.

By Lamin Bojang

Federation of International Volleyball’s (FIVB) ‘Volleyball Your Way’ course for young beach volleyball players opens under the auspices of the Gambia Volleyball Federation on Tuesday at the Olympic House in Bakau.

This came from the framework of FIVB development programme for developing countries to support the technical skills of the local coaches and young players. 20 participants are drawn from various clubs to partake in this 5-day course.

“Leadership and career development is a key intervention area for the Federation and we are grateful to FIVB for sending an instructor Johann Huber to train our coaches Bai Dodou Jallow, acting President Gambia Volleyball Federation said in his opening remarks’’.

He advised the participants to take good use of the instructor’s experience and be productive and loyal during the course of the programme, “so that we can have lot of Hubers in the Gambia”.

The Executive Director of National Sports Council, Marcel Mendy, advised the participants to grab the opportunity and get everything from Huber during the course.

About the Programme

The ‘Volleyball Your Way’ (VBYW) course, formerly called Volleyball Cooperation Programme focuses on teaching the basics of volleyball to children and young people. The key target groups are teachers and grassroots coaches.

By Binta Bah & Awa Gassama

Medina FC of Tallinding Kunjang on Tuesday narrowly defeated Jola Kunda 1-0 in the 2016 Serrekunda East Nawettan.

Jerreh Sanneh’s stunning free kick in the 51st minute proved the only difference between the two sides.

Speaking with Observer Sports shortly after the game, the head coach of Medina, Omar Barrow, expressed delight with the performance of his players after defeating Jola Kunda twice this year.

According to him, he was quite upbeat of victory going into the game and is quite hopeful of lifting the trophy this year.

By Jainaba D.Jatta

Mandinary-based Gambinos FC have kicked off their campaign in the Lamin Nawettan Knockout competition with an impressive performance in a 1-0 win over Sotokoto FC on Tuesday.

The Lamin League Nawettan competition is in the quarterfinal stage, while the committee commenced the Knockout tournament.

As a result of the win, Gambinos FC became the first team to book their place in the next round of the tournament. The game’s only goal was scored by Janko Jarju after 21 minutes.

Both teams (Gambinos FC and Sotokoto FC) have been eliminated in the league competition.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Observer Sports, Modou Lamin Touray, head coach of Gambinos FC expressed delight with his team’s performance. According to him, his boys really made him proud because they worked on some of their mistakes during their previous games.

by Binta Bah &

Binta Jammeh

It rained goals at the Serrekunda West Nawettan on Tuesday as Kanifing Layout maintained strong grip on Group D by thrashing Harlem 4-0. The win has taken them to nine points from three games.

Striker Saikou Colley was the hero as he scored a hat-trick with goals in the 8th, 56th and 75th minutes respectively, before Pa Modou Dibba added a fourth to complete the comprehensive scoreline.

Despite the heavy win, Kanifing Layout FC is eliminated from the league competition and they are only left in the knockout tournament. Harlem FC is knocked out of both competitions and also relegated. As a result, they will play in the relegation/promotion playoff to ensure their place in the Nawettan proper next season.

In the late game played on the same day, DK United and Konge played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. As a result, both teams have qualified to the next round of the league.

Ebrima Kambi opened the scoring for Kogne Bi after just five minutes. Alasana Drammeh scored twice to put D.K United ahead for the first time in the game. Pa Sulay Faal restored parity for Kogne Bi FC in the 22nd minute.

by Fatou Trawally & Fatou Gassama

Maccassa on Wednesday sent SV Laar packing in the 2016 SESDO league competition after a 3-1 post-match penalty shoot-out win. Regulation time ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

SV Laar is now knocked out in both the knockout and league competitions.

SV Laar opened the scorings in the second  half courtesy of Kalifa Kanyi but Maccassa equalised 13 minitues later through Abdoulie Sillah.

In a post match interview with Observer Sports, Kebba Kujabi, coach of Maccassa blamed his players for conceding the first goal, admitting that the pressure was high on them.

He, however, thanked his players for rectifying the mistake and equalising the goal.

According to him, his side is a big team that won many trophies at Serrekunda East and is hoping to win another trophy this year.

Meanwhile, Bantaba on Wednesday defeated Dubai 2-0 in the 3pm encounter at the East Park. Musa Kuyateh put Bantaba ahead in the 31st minutes and Sanna Sonko added a second in the 52nd minutes.

by Jainaba D Jatta

After losing its position in the 2016 Banjul MSTE-sponsored Nawettan league competition last week, defending champions Dingareh FC has again been eliminated in the Knockout competition by Juventus 8-7 on a post-match penalty shootout after an intriguing goalless encounter at the KG5 Mini-Stadium in Banjul on Wednesday.

Both teams strived to the last whistle but could not break the deadlock inspite of the numerous clear scoring chances. Winners Juventus have successfully secured their places in both the League and Knockout quarterfinals and will be battling it out with Ngoyan and Makann Bi.

The Banjul Nawettan will be on a break for the forthcoming Muslim feast of Tobaski slated for September 12, 2016.  The competition would resume on Thursday September 15, when L E Sowe and Lancaster United will contest in the first game of the quarterfinals.  Firehouse will face Ajax on Friday September 16, Macdonald VS Babylon on Saturday 17, while Juventus play Ngoyan later that evening.

Yesterday (Thursday), Red Tigers were to take on Ngoyan, while Revelation will take on Ajax today.

by Saffiatou Colley

On Sunday 3oth August 2016, Saints played Development Team at MRC cricket grounds. The toss was won by Saints who decided to field. Development Team batted in the first innings and scored 150 runs for 10 wickets in 19 overs. A. Ceesay batted and scored 26 runs, the highest for them. M. L. Bojang bowled 3 overs and took 4 wickets for 11 runs.

Saints batted in the second innings and scored 151 runs in 15 overs for 7 wickets. Pa K. Jeng batted for them and scored 39 runs, the highest for them. B. Jaye bowled 3 overs and took 5 wickets for 16 runs. Saint won by 4 wickets.

Meanwhile, The Gambia National Female Cricket Team is presently training at the July 22nd Square in Banjul to participate in the forth coming Northwest Africa Cricket Championship (NWACC) for women, which is to be held in Accra, Ghana in October 2016.

by Fatou Trawally

Briakama Nawettan knockout first round games ended with last year’s winners Sky Power, and defending league champions Fabou both crashing out of the competition.

The only new team in the league, Alfama registered their first win in Brikama nawettan when the avenged their earlier defeat to Sky Power with a 2-1 win.

Both teams played in the group stages of the league and Sky Power won by 2-0.

Jaliba FC continued their brilliant start as they forced Amasa to bid farewell to the Nawettan after defeating them 1-0 through the Alieu Jammeh’s solo goal.

On Tuesday at 3pm, Santo-su United lost to G-Sarr in a marathon penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw at the end of regulation time.

At 5pm, Puntalana and Greater Tommorow were tied at a 1-1 before the game was halted due to darkness.

On Wednesday at 3pm,  Yarambamba  booted out Misira in a penalty shootout-out after a 2-2 draw.  At 5pm, Borderline’s participation in the Nawettan ended when they lost to Ajax FA in a penalty shootout.

In other interesting encounters, Fabou lost to Chimo 1-0, while Gidda Youths also knocked out Kabafita.

by Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Football Clubs from across the world have started confirming their participation in Real de Banjul’s 50 years anniversary celebrations.

Clubs from Senegal, Mauritania, Nigeria, Guinea Bissau and Holland are all set to be in Banjul for this big celebration set to take place at the Independence Stadium in Bakau from October 29 to November 6.

The teams, who have confirmed their participation, are: Dutch Eredivisie club NEC Nijmegen, Nigerian Premier League club FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Mauritanian side FC Nouadhibou, Sport Bissau e Benfica of Guinea Bissau, Senegalese Premier League clubs ASC Niarry Tally, ASEC Ndiambour, Guédiawaye FC, Casa Sports, AS Génération Foot and Olympique de Ngor

“We are happy to have the confirmation of these clubs who are ready to come and grace our big occasion,” Club President, William Abraham, said.

He added: “With less than six weeks to go for the big event, preparation has long started in order to have these teams accommodated and well taken care of when here. We will like to call for support from Gambians and outsiders with regards to sponsorship in any way they can for this one-in-a-lifetime event.”

Source; www.realdebanjul.gm

The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Isha Johansen and two other senior officials have been detained.

The country’s Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) picked the trio up after an FA Cup match on Wednesday.

The head of the ACC Ade Macauley said the arrests were due to “discrepancies in the financial statement of the SLFA relating to donor funds.”

The trio denied the allegations during questioning.

Johansen and SLFA vice-president Brima Mazola Kamara as well as secretary general Christopher Kamara spent the night in detention.

The move came just hours after the ACC started Operation Thunderbolt, that is aimed at intensifying their fight against corruption.

An official at the ACC Patrick Sandy further explained that they made the arrests due to lack of cooperation from the SLFA.

“We are investigating funds SLFA received from Fifa, the Confederation of African Football and the government of Sierra Leone as we have the mandate to do so,” Sandy added.

“We have invited them in writing and through other means to report to our headquarters but they disregarded our invitations.

“We wrote a letter to the SLFA scribe to submit documents relating to SLFA finances but they refused to cooperate.

“Instead they wrote back stating that they are not accountable to us and it could be considered as political interference, as they are only answerable to Fifa.

“The ACC is not a political institution, we are independent.”

In the past the SLFA has insisted they are only accountable to football’s world governing body, Fifa.

Source; bbc sports